This blog was written by:
Rhonda Myers, MA, MSW, LISW-S (ADAMH Board Executive Director)
Rhonda Myers, MA, MSW, LISW-S (ADAMH Board Executive Director)
The winter holidays are upon us and with them the anticipation for a wide range of stressful experiences. Some work hard this time of year to make us believe that joy can be gift wrapped, worn, played with, or eaten. We pressure ourselves to pack our already busy schedules with extra obligations like: cleaning, shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking, entertaining, dealing with family schedules, creating and observing traditions with our children, elbowing through crowded shopping centers, making travel plans, writing the perfect Christmas cards, and feeling guilty about a gift we cannot afford to give. We have such high expectations for the holiday season that we can feel quite overwhelmed.
The ADAMH Board and staff have compiled a few suggestions to help you cope with some of the stresses of this season:
For some, the holidays can intensify feelings of loneliness, depression, and anger. Some may even experience these feelings beyond the normal holiday season. If this should happen to you, do not hesitate to seek the help of a professional counselor. The ADAMH Board can help connect you with community agencies that have appropriate resources for helping you to manage these feelings.
We at the ADAMH board wish you a joyous Holiday Season!
With some appropriate planning and creativity, you can give yourself
and your family the gift of a brighter holiday!
The ADAMH Board and staff have compiled a few suggestions to help you cope with some of the stresses of this season:
- Be realistic about expectations for the holidays. Be flexible; adapt rituals and traditions to fit your family’s circumstances.
- Make a budget and stick to it. Don’t pressure yourself about buying gifts your budget can’t afford.
- Have a game plan. Take a little time to get organized and schedule specific activities that need to be accomplished. This will save you the pressure of having too many things that must be accomplished at the last minute.
- Learn to say “no.” Saying “yes” to every invitation can leave you feeling tired and resentful.
- Make time for yourself; eat right, exercise, get enough sleep.
- If you are lonely at Christmas, reach out to others. Volunteering is a great way to feel connected.
For some, the holidays can intensify feelings of loneliness, depression, and anger. Some may even experience these feelings beyond the normal holiday season. If this should happen to you, do not hesitate to seek the help of a professional counselor. The ADAMH Board can help connect you with community agencies that have appropriate resources for helping you to manage these feelings.
We at the ADAMH board wish you a joyous Holiday Season!
With some appropriate planning and creativity, you can give yourself
and your family the gift of a brighter holiday!
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