Thursday, May 9

Mental Health and the Holidays

BY: Jayla Brown

The holidays are coming up quickly, and while many are rejoicing for this time of year, some are not. Many people around the world have admitted that the holidays are not exactly the best time of year for their mental health.

Whether it be problems with family, friends, or just life, it is very common for stress and depression to dampen your holiday mood. A survey by the American Psychological Association showed that thirty-eight percent of people said their stress level increased during the holiday season. Here are four things you can do this holiday season to cope with stress and depression.

  1. Keep your expectations manageable. 
  2.  Be realistic. You won’t be available for every function and gathering.
  3. Save time for yourself. Holidays can be about you, family, and friends.
  4. Talk to someone.

The rest of this list can be found at www.mhawisconsin.org/holidaystress. 

While it may not be you that experiences stress and depression during the holidays, it could be a family member or a friend. Dr. Wetter at Cedars Sinai created a list of key signs of someone struggling with mental health that you can watch for. Ask yourself:

  1. Does your loved one seem to be more withdrawn than usual?
  2. Are they behaving more erratically and impulsively?
  3. Are they more irritable?
  4. Do they typically respond to a text or phone call, but now they are not responding at all? 

If you notice these signs in a friend or family member, it is best to simply reach out. There are a number of other things you can do to support them during this time.

If you or a loved one suffer from holiday stress, depression, and anxiety, you are not alone. There are emergency hotline services available 24/7, like Warmlines and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255). These two are free for individuals who are emotionally stressed or depressed. There are also free online resources like Mental Health America (MHA)  On Inspire, Reach Out App, and Teen Line Online. For more information on these resources please visit their websites listed below.