The holidays are upon us and not everyone is holly and jolly this time of year. It can be hard to navigate the rough waters of your mental health, especially during the holidays. Some may face loneliness while missing their loved ones. Others may feel stressed about finances or providing for their family. If you’re feeling a mix of emotions, you are not alone. Struggling during the holidays is not uncommon. Here are some things you can do to cope with the “Holiday Blues” and focus on what really matters.
- Acknowledge Your Feelings and Set Boundaries. Give yourself permission to feel sad, lonely, or stressed. It’s normal. Prioritize what’s important and learn to say “NO” to overwhelming activities.
- Prioritize Self Care. Spend time outdoors, build in time to take breaks and explore a hobby, do some meditation or deep breathing, celebrate large and small successes, get enough sleep, and avoid excessive alcohol and food.
- Maintain Routine and Stay Connected. Keep up with sleep, meals, and exercise. Spend time with friends and family. Share your feelings with them and seek help when needed.
The CredibleMind website is a wonderful mental health resource. It offers hundreds of topics to browse and also has assessments you can take. December 3rd – 31st, you can take the “Are the Holidays Causing You Stress” assessment for a chance to win a $50 gift card! All you have to do is create an account and sign in to be entered. (Your responses are confidential and no individual assessment results will be shared.) By creating an account, you can save completed assessments and also mark your favorite content to look back at later. It is a great place to connect with resources when you need them. Below are some additional resources that you can reach out to if you are ever struggling with your mental health.
988Lifeline. The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7/365 to call, text, or chat online. Your conversations are free and confidential. Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, the caring counselors are there for you. You are not alone.
Mental Health Minnesota Warmline. The Minnesota Warmline provides peer support and a connection with others. For many people, the Warmline is an important tool that helps them avoid mental health crisis and use of crisis services, 911 and hospital emergency departments. Calls are answered by peer support staff who have first-hand experience living with a mental health condition and are available to listen to you, provide support, and connect you with resources. And if you’re in need of more help, they can directly connect you to the nearest crisis services. Open Seven Days a Week, 9 AM to 9 PM. Call toll free 1-855-927-6546, or text “Support” to 85511.
Wellness in the Woods: Peer Support Connection MN Warmline. It’s a safe and supportive place for people to call and speak with peers who are there to listen and support adults experiencing emotional distress. Open 7 days a week from 5:00 PM to 9:00 AM. Call 1-844-739-6369.
So, whether you are celebrating alone, or gathering with family and friends, I do hope your holidays are holly and jolly and full of cheer! Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~
