Four tips for better mental health this festive season
In healthcare, it's well known that the final weeks of the year can bring stress and anxiety. Christmas is experienced simultaneously by millions, with well-known stereotypical standards for how it "should" be plus countless associated social and emotional costs. In short, there is a lot to navigate during the holidays!
Here are four areas that can impact upon our mental health during the holiday season – plus techniques to use to strengthen our response.
Marianne Pomeroy
TerryWhite Chemmart Pharmacist Hornsby, NSW
The mental load
Women are often taxed with the task of planning and creating Christmas magic.
Try deciding up front who will be responsible for what – from planning to execution – then letting go of expectations for what has been assigned to others. If they drop the ball, they fix it.
Intense family time
A feeling of obligation to get together can be fractious for some families.
Try avoiding known argument triggers, pre-planning ways to navigate tensions and learning to firmly excuse yourself where necessary.
High social expectations
Event after event can be emotionally and financially draining.
Try committing only to gatherings that "fill your cup" and energise you.
Grief and loneliness can hit hard
It’s not uncommon to find that feelings of grief are heightened during the holidays as memories, regrets or simply sadness surfaces.