The holiday season is a joyful time for many looking forward to time with family and the season's festivities. However, not everyone shares in the joy of the season due to mental health conditions or the lack of family and friends.
If you're worried about your mental health with the upcoming holiday season, you're not alone. This time of year can be challenging, but you don't have to spend another holiday season with the winter blues.
The team at Houston Family MD in Houston, Texas, understands the need for happiness all year round, especially when the holidays roll around. Dr. Ranjit S. Grewal provides the tools you need to overcome the anxiety and depression that surrounds the upcoming time of year.
Although the holiday season is a time of happiness for many, others struggle immensely during this time of year. You don't have to have a mental health disorder to struggle around the holidays, either.
There's no specific reason that people don't deal well with the holiday season. However, some may have to do with finances, family issues, and overall stress.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is another problem that affects many people, causing symptoms of depression due to the changes in the weather around the holidays.
No matter what's causing you to feel sad or depressed during this time of year, you can take specific steps to improve your mood and control your emotions. Five of the ways you can take control of your mental health include:
The holidays are filled with emotions, ranging from extreme happiness to intense sadness and everything in between. No book says you need to feel a certain way, so don't put pressure on yourself.
Accept how you feel and allow yourself the time to understand your feelings and sort through them as you can.
It's easy to let the hustle and bustle of the season interfere with your everyday habits, which can wreak havoc on your mental health. One way to keep your emotions in check is to continue exercising and eating healthy and stick with everyday habits to prevent a downward spiral.
You may feel obligated to spend time with certain people or make homemade cookies or pies for loved ones – but don't let it affect your mental health.
It's okay to say no sometimes, especially to things that will overwhelm you. Don't hesitate to say no to gatherings or making a big meal for the family potluck if it will only bring you stress.
Setting goals before the holidays is a great way to keep your mental health in check. For example, if you want to make this season about your family, stick to that plan if it makes you happy instead of allowing everyone to pull you in different directions.
Taking the time to relax during the busy holiday season is one of the best ways to take control of your mental health. Practice meditation and mindfulness techniques to control your emotions and mental health during the stress of the holidays.
Some people can manage their feelings around the holidays alone, but don't be upset if you can't. The emotions of sadness and depression aren't always easy to control during the most stressful time of the year.
If you're feeling overwhelmed and you're having a hard time dealing with your feelings alone, it's time to seek treatment. It's easy for your emotions to become unbearable, making the holidays even more difficult.
Knowing when to seek treatment is the best way to avoid further mental health issues that leak into the months following the holidays. You may want to think about getting help from Dr. Grewal if you have any of the following symptoms:
Struggling with emotions is tricky any time of year, especially with the holidays around the corner. It's easy to spiral out of control as you get closer to the new year, but you don't have to go at it alone.
Dr. Grewal helps you understand your feelings and gives you the tools you need to cope with your emotions and manage the symptoms of mental health problems for happiness all year round.
If you're ready to take control of your mental health this year, call the Houston Family MD team today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Grewal. You can also request a consultation on the website.
