What, Why, & How To Handle Mental Health Struggles Around The Holidays

Mental health includes an individual’s overall emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, and it plays a vital role in overall health and well-being.

Good mental health is characterized by a sense of well-being, positive self-esteem, and the ability to cope with life’s challenges. It enables individuals to think, reason, and make decisions effectively, and to form and maintain healthy relationships.

Mental health can be impacted by a variety of factors, including genetics, life experiences, and environmental factors. Mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, are common and can affect people of all ages.

It is important to prioritize mental health and to seek help if needed. With proper treatment, it is possible to manage and overcome mental health problems and to maintain good mental health. There are many resources available for individuals seeking support for mental health issues, including therapy, support groups, and medications.

It is completely normal to feel lonely at times, particularly during the holidays when many people are focused on spending time with loved ones. Loneliness is a common human experience, and it can be triggered by a variety of factors, including being alone, feeling disconnected from others, or experiencing loss or change.

There are many different ways to cope with loneliness during the holidays. Some people find it helpful to reach out to loved ones, whether through phone calls, text messages, or video chats. Others may find comfort in participating in activities that bring them joy, such as cooking, reading, or exercising. Volunteering or helping others can also be a great way to feel more connected and purposeful.

It is important to remember that loneliness is a temporary feeling, and that it is normal to experience it from time to time. If you are feeling lonely or isolated, it can be helpful to remind yourself that you are not alone in this experience and to reach out for support if you need it. There are also many resources available that can provide additional support and guidance for coping with loneliness, such as therapy or support groups.

If you are experiencing holiday blues, there are several things you can try to help improve your mood and cope with any negative feelings:

1. Practice self-care: It is important to take care of your physical and emotional well-being during the holidays. This may involve getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
2. Set realistic expectations: It is common to have high expectations for the holidays, but it is important to remember that the holiday season does not have to be perfect. Try to let go of any unrealistic expectations you may have and focus on the things that are most important to you.
3. Seek support: If you are feeling overwhelmed or isolated, it can be helpful to reach out to friends and family for support. Alternatively, you can consider seeking support from a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor.
4. Find ways to connect with others: The holidays can be a time of loneliness for some people. If you are feeling isolated, try to find ways to connect with others, such as volunteering, joining a club or group, or attending holiday events.
5. Practice gratitude: Focusing on the things that you are thankful for can help to improve your mood and perspective. Try keeping a gratitude journal, where you write down a few things you are grateful for each day.
6. Seek out activities that bring you joy: Engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation can help to lift your mood and reduce stress. This might include hobbies, exercise, or spending time in nature.

Remember that it is normal to experience ups and downs during the holidays, and it is okay to take breaks and prioritize your own well-being. If you are struggling to manage your holiday blues and they are affecting your daily life, it may be helpful to seek additional support from a mental health professional.

Self-care refers to the actions that individuals take to care for their physical, mental, and emotional health. It is an important aspect of maintaining overall well-being and can help people to manage stress, prevent burnout, and improve their quality of life.

There are many different ways to practice self-care, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some examples of self-care activities include:

• Getting enough sleep
• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly (even just a half hour a day can make a huge impact)
• Taking breaks from work and technology
• Practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing
• Engaging in hobbies or activities that bring joy
• Seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional
• Setting boundaries and saying no to commitments that do not align with your values and needs

Self-care is not just about pampering oneself, but rather about making choices that support overall well-being and prevent burnout. It is important to make self-care a priority and to find activities that work for you.

• Getting enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help your body and mind rest and recharge.
• Eating a healthy diet: Eat a variety of nutritious foods and drink plenty of water to support physical and mental health.
• Exercising regularly: Engage in physical activity that you enjoy, such as walking, running, yoga, or dancing. Exercise can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels. Yes- dancing around your kitchen to that song you love from 20 years ago counts!
• Taking breaks from work and technology: Make time to disconnect from screens and work and engage in activities that allow you to relax and recharge. Putting down the phone can be hard, but it can also be very rewarding both mentally and emotionally.
• Practicing relaxation techniques: Find ways to relax and de-stress like meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation.
• Engaging in hobbies or activities that bring joy: Pursue activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument.
• Seeking support: Connect with friends, family, or a mental health professional for support and to share your feelings and experiences. Remember that you don’t need to be ashamed of your thoughts and feelings, professionals will not be judging you, and you should be proud that you asked for help.
• Setting boundaries and saying no to commitments that do not align with your values and needs: It is important to prioritize your own well-being and to set limits on your time and energy.

Social well-being refers to the extent to which an individual feels connected and supported by their social network and community. It is an important aspect of overall well-being and can have a significant impact on an individual’s emotional, mental and physical health.

Having strong social connections and a sense of belonging can provide a sense of purpose, improve self-esteem, and reduce the risk of developing mental health problems. It can also provide a sense of support and help individuals to cope with stress, illness, and other challenges.

There are several factors that contribute to social well-being, including:

• Strong social connections: Having close relationships with family members and friends, and feeling connected to a larger community or social network, can contribute to social well-being.
• Sense of belonging: Feeling like you belong to a group or community and that you are accepted and valued by others can enhance social well-being.
• Social support: Having people in your life who you can rely on for emotional, practical, and financial support can contribute to social well-being.
• Participation in social activities: Engaging in activities that allow you to connect with others and contribute to your community, such as volunteering or participating in social or cultural events, can enhance social well-being.

According to Mental Health America, 19.86% of adults are experiencing mental illnesses.

https://mhanational.org/issues/2022/mental-health-america-adult-data

“WHO [World Health Organization] has identified strong links between depression and other noncommunicable disorders and diseases. Depression increases the risk of substance use disorders and diseases such as diabetes and heart disease; the opposite is also true, meaning that people with these other conditions have a higher risk of depression.”

https://www.who.int/news/item/30-03-2017–depression-let-s-talk-says-who-as-depression-tops-list-of-causes-of-ill-health