TRI-CITIES, Wash. – The holidays are meant to be fun, but for many people, they can be stressful. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, three in five Americans feel their mental health is negatively affected by the holidays.
During the holidays many people take on tasks that cause stress. Aphrodite Beidler a Mental Health Counselor at Riverwalk Counseling says you need to prioritize your holiday plans to avoid being overwhelmed.
“Having expectations that are quite perfectionistic sometimes are what set people up for burnout,” said Beidler.
Beidler said it’s important to set realistic expectations.
“During the holidays especially a lot of our personal issues come up,” she said. “They surface in ways that are sometimes unexpected.”
She said for example there could be unresolved family issues and said it’s important to take care of yourself. One of the ways you can do that is time management.
“Perhaps go for a walk a brisk walk,” Beidler said. “Go to the gym if you have an hour, take your shower and then get started with the big items.”
According to Beidler, it’s a good idea to ask for help and avoid alcohol early in the day because it will drain your energy. She said for people in recovery, let people know you are in recovery.
“Ask for support from their friends and family because often people may not know what someone is going through,” said Beidler.
Holidays can also be difficult for many people who’ve lost a loved one, especially if the loss was recent.
Beidler said it’s normal to feel grief, she said the closer to that person that was lost, the harder it is. She said there are ways to keep their memory with you during the holidays.
“Sometimes having a space to honor that person, may be helpful to have an empty chair,” she said.
Beidler said you can also set out an empty plate, or something that reminds you of that person. She said having family and friends around could also give you comfort.
Beidler says it’s important to set time aside in the day for yourself to think about that lost loved one, but not to think about it all day.
According to Beidler, it’s essential to remember coping skills and to use them.
