By Charlotte Morritt-Jacobs - @morrittjacobs on Twitter

Mental health tips to beat the holiday blues

Dec 19, 2016 | 11:31 AM

LETHBRIDGE – Even if depression has not plagued an individual in the past, with so much to do, attend and plan, it is possible to feel overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, and depressed.

December may also be a time where individuals feel increased grief over the loss of a loved one.

Farrel Greenspan, who’s a registered psychologist specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety and ADHD, provided several tips on how to keep one’s mental health in check over the holidays.

Here’s what he said.

The “get over it” mentality

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“I have heard people say ‘it’s the holidays what is there to be sad about?’ But this negates people’s feelings especially when they realize that there is an expectation that there is no reason for them to feel sad.”

– Mental health concerns plague many throughout the year; therefore, the idea that issues should disappear over the holidays is a crude misconception.

Overspending

“Sometimes there is an expectation that you need to give the perfect gift or you feel the need to reciprocate gifts of the same value. If that is not possible you may put yourself at risk and leverage your budget to a place where you are not comfortable.”

– Opt for a gift giving exchange instead of breaking the bank on numerous gifts.

– Purchase presents with cash and debit to eliminate stress of sky-high credit card bills.

– If you are looking to assist loved ones who may not be able to afford presents, there is no harm in suggesting to that person to skip the gift giving.
– Alternatively, if you have the means to do so there is always the option of offering to help someone with the financial purchasing of gifts.

Family woes

“Before you go out to see family, recognize who in your family is going to push your boundaries, be cognizant of that so you can take a step back. A few days grouped together with family that you may not see very often can be overwhelming for anyone, so if you can it will help to maybe decrease or manage the time spent with your family.”

– If you are unable to separate from those family members which cause a spike in your stress levels, there is the option to shift focus and engage with other family members and take a little personal break from that family gathering.

Overindulging

Instead of harbouring an all-or-nothing mentality that leads individuals to believe that all of their hard earned health progress is for nothing just because of the holidays, Greenspan suggested that individuals set concrete expectations on how their eating and lifestyle habits will change.
 
“Be aware that it is okay to do that rather than beat themselves up over it than it is easier to get back on track on the holiday season is over.”

Taking on too much

“I think that everyone can relate to trying to please everyone and be everywhere at once.”

– If possible, make plans and inform holiday hosts that you have multiple events to attend in a short amount of time. Making friends and family aware of your busy schedule ahead of time will help you to leave a party without as much stress.

Unable to go home for the holidays

“If you’re far away and you cannot get back to family it is worthwhile to try to stay in touch as much as possible.”

– It is common for individuals who feel isolated to grow anxious at the thought of reaching out to friends and family far away. Furthermore, Greenspan suggests that it may be worthwhile to inform friends and acquaintances in close proximity that you do not have a place to celebrate the holidays and ask to join in on their celebrations.
 
– Alternatively you may choose to offer to host new friends at your home.
 
-This time of the year also makes for opulent volunteer and group opportunities. Becoming involved in the community may help to combat loneliness.

Grief

“Many have a loved one who has passed away and that person played a big part in the holidays.”

– Honouring a loved one’s memory by incorporating their favourite food or activity is one way to feel as though that missed person is included in the season.

Mindful year end reflections

“I think that we are so negatively bias towards what we haven’t done and what we should have done better that we never give ourselves credit to see what we have done well and accomplished.”

– When reflecting on the year, it is important to focus on the positives and consider all that you are thankful for. This mindful reflection will both build confidence momentum to be taken into the new year.