November - Navigating Holidays
As we enter the fall and winter months, October starts a busy season for many people. Whether it is the start of various holidays across many religions and cultures, which often bring stress and pressure, or the change in weather, which might alter one's typical ways of regulating self-care. Not to mention, schools are usually out for extended periods, which can impact youth and their families in a lot of different ways.
Some people look forward to and enjoy the events and changes ahead of us, while others might have a difficult time and not be as excited - both are valid and okay!
While there can be plenty of happy experiences and memories during these seasons, one's mental health can be negatively impacted, and it is okay if both are true! People of all ages can enjoy and have great memories made AND feel more anxious, depressed, or irritable during that time.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
64%
of people reported worsening mental health conditions during the holiday season.
Some common symptoms people experience might include increased frustration, sadness, fatigue, tension, a sense of loss, and isolation or loneliness. Despite these feelings, there are ways that we can prepare and minimize some of the increased feelings around the holidays and winter months. Sometimes, we feel like everything is out of our control and nothing can or will change the situation, so survival is the only option. However, we have more control over the outcome than we might think.
Here are some common thoughts that might come up and a few strategies to address them:
1. You are not feeling festive or in the "holiday spirit." You feel like you have to "fake" it and don't know how to share these feelings with others. Additionally, maybe your traditions are not one of the dominant ones celebrated during this time of year.
Remind yourself that you do not need to force happiness, and it is good to name when you aren't feeling especially happy
Try to avoid numbing your feelings with alcohol or other substances, as doing so can often time worsen depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Surround yourself with people who celebrate the same traditions or feel like you. This is a great way to create new traditions during this time
2. You are living with grief and loss during the holiday season. Whether this season is the first one after your loss or you've already experienced holidays since losing someone, it is essential to take time to check in with yourself and your feelings and make sure that you maintain realistic expectations about how the holiday season will be for you.
If celebrating right now doesn't feel authentic, be sure to name that to your loved ones and set up a time to check–in with a support group, therapist, supportive friends or family, or your faith-based community.
3. Gift-giving is stressful for you. Whether you feel pressure to pick the "perfect" gift or you do not have the financial means to purchase gifts for others, the stress can be overwhelming. Remember that many holidays, especially those celebrated during winter, have become commercialized over time. Despite societal pressure, gift-giving and holiday celebrations do not have to involve spending money.
Consider how much money, if any, you are comfortable spending, and be sure to stick to your budget.
Tap into your creative side and make homemade gifts - a craft, a poem, a coupon to help someone do something they need support with, etc.
4. Your children or other family members are home more during this time due to breaks from school or vacations at work. This often can lead to more frustration with one another, wanting activities to do together to keep everyone busy and having fun, or even an increase in needing more food at your house.
Visit your local food bank to offset the increase in food needs at your house
Take a look at free events in and around Denver and schedule fun things for your family to do. You can look here for ideas
Work together to make a Winter Break Bucket List of fun activities!
5. Shorter days lead to less daylight, and your mood is feeling it. Not to mention, many traditions during this time of year include time around a warm fire or the lights of a tree or candles. When someone does not have as much access to natural light, they often can experience an increase in depressive symptoms.
Try to schedule time during the middle of the day to spend time outside for exposure to sunlight
If you work at a desk, try to position yourself near a window
As the winter season and holidays approach, remember to give yourself grace and patience and know that it is ALWAYS okay to name if you are unhappy or ask for help. As always, please remember that we at Colorado Dream Foundation are here to help and support you and your loved one's mental health and provide connections for financial and material resources (food, housing assistance, gift drives, winter clothing, and more!)
If you or someone you know are experiencing a mental health emergency, please dial or text 988 on any phone to be connected to crisis support in your area.
