12/13/2023
Some tips for managing holiday triggers:
First, Identify your holiday triggers.
Give yourself permission to feel your emotions.
Limit or take a break from social media.
Practice self-compassion this holiday season.
The holiday season can bring about feelings of depression, anxiety, envy, and even dread and despair, rather than joy and merriment. These holiday blues can stem from a variety of factors such as preexisting mental health issues, seasonal affective disorder, a recent loss, the anniversary of the loss of a loved one, jam-packed social commitments, emotional and financial pressures from family and friends, and family strife.
It’s important to identify your own unique holiday triggers to help curb emotional reactivity and for putting plans in place to reduce holiday-related stress. For example, engaging in self-soothing practices like taking warm baths, going for walks, or watching silly TV shows, accessing a therapist, affirmations, building positive rituals and traditions of your own.
Please reach out for support if the distress does not feel manageable to local therapist or doctor.
If urgent please call the distress center at 403-266-4357
