How the Holidays Can Affect Your Mental Health

The Holidays Can Bring Stress and Increase Anxiety 

When it comes time to planning a holiday party for your friends and family members, there can be added pressure to make sure that everything is perfect. Holiday anxiety is very common. There are ways that you can overcome the extreme feelings that may hinder you from spending time with your loved ones and enjoying the moment. Banyan Mental Health provides anxiety treatment, and we can help you manage your condition this holiday season. 

For someone who deals with anxiety on a regular basis, this can add to the daily symptoms that are often debilitating. It’s important to be realistic when it comes to preparing for the holidays. Your celebrations do not have to be perfect, and you don’t have to please everyone. As families expand, more people will have input into the traditions they want to be practiced. It’s okay to change how you spend the holidays and who you spend it with. 

Even though the holidays are an exciting time for most, others may feel sad if they can't be with loved ones or if a loved one has passed away. This sadness can lead to seasonal depression, making the holidays seem ruined. However, it's normal to feel sad during this time. Reaching out to supportive friends and being around people can help you feel better. Talking about your feelings with a therapist or loved one, instead of hiding them, will help you overcome this depression. 

Why Do Anxiety Levels Rise? 

Holidays not only bring joy, but they can also bring stress and pressure. This ultimately causes anxiety levels to rise and for people to shut down. Holiday travel can trigger stress and panic, especially with phobias like fear of flying. Anxiety can rise when people think about socializing in crowded areas at holiday parties.  

Follow these tips for managing your symptoms of anxiety this holiday season: 

• Don't Set Expectations. It's important to take the pressure off yourself so you can focus on enjoying your time with friends and family. Don't set high expectations, because you may be let down if the holidays aren't "perfect". 
• Don’t overschedule. While the holidays are filled with events and commitments, you do not need to attend everything you are invited to. If baking 100 cookies for the neighborhood cookie exchange, singing Christmas carols with your Church Group and making three different kinds of mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving are stressing you out, take a step back. A packed schedule is an easy trigger for poor mental health. Instead, pick and choose the events that make you the happiest. 
• Practice Self-Care. Making time for yourself and engaging in activities that rejuvenate your mind and body is crucial. Consider indulging in a good book, taking a bath, spending time in nature, or practicing stress management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness.  
• Focus on what you can control. You must let go of what you can't control and shift your energy towards living in the moment. 
• Keep a healthy routine. The holidays may be a special time of year, but throwing away good habits can lead to big problems. Try to exercise regularly, avoid too many sweets, and get to bed early. When you physically feel bad, your mental health is bound to follow. All too often, when people are feeling down during the holidays, they will also turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. Before they know it, these bad habits can spiral out of control, and they now need treatment for a co-occurring disorder instead of just help for their mental health. 
• Remind yourself what the holiday season is all about. This is the time to reflect on the past year and express gratitude for all that you have. If you take a moment to put things into perspective, you will feel a sense of calmness and happiness that can offset anxiety. 
• Seek professional treatment. When your problems seem to become too overwhelming to handle or you may even start to have suicidal thoughts, it is important to recognize that you need professional help immediately. Programs like our mental health PHP can provide you with structure to address these issues while still enjoying some of the holiday season. 

Attend Holiday Events 

Attend holiday events that are important to you with people who you feel comfortable with. Surrounding yourself with supportive and understanding individuals can make a significant difference in how you experience the holidays. Choose gatherings that align with your comfort level and avoid those that may trigger stress or anxiety. 

Remind yourself what the holiday season is all about. This is the time to reflect on the past year and express gratitude for all that you have. If you take a moment to put things into perspective, you will feel a sense of calmness and happiness that can offset anxiety. Reflecting on positive memories and achievements can help you stay grounded and appreciate the present moment.