Home For the Holidays…
It’s that time again…sleigh bells ring, mistletoe, and eggnog. Real ones know about that pernil and coquito, though; side notes my girl Michelle be doing her thang.
This is the time marked with holiday cheer and surrounded by loved ones and that winter bliss. It’s probably safe to say Covid-19 has put a damper on the Holiday cheer for the last two years. The mental stress of not being able to celebrate in the capacity we would like is in full effect for year two. But outside of Covid-19, there is another pandemic that circles this time: the Holiday Blues.
In a study conducted by the American Psychological Association, “38% of people surveyed said their stress increased during the holiday season, leading to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. The reasons were: lack of time, financial pressure, gift-giving, and family gatherings.”
According to NAMI, “64% of people say their, mental condition worsens during the holidays.” Many people are unaware that their emotions are fluctuating, or we tried to shove them down because it's the holiday season. We’ve all heard the Christmas carols “it is the most wonderful time.” I'm not afraid to admit I suffer from the Holiday Blues; it is usually a mix of going back to environments that I have grown from, trying to cram all the work I can before Christmas, while also trying to strategize and prove the next year is a “new to me.”
Unfortunately, the holidays are when many people have to sit in spaces with folks who abused them. This can be seriously emotionally taxing for folks home from school who may not have the resources to go somewhere else.
When you think about it, there is so much that can bring on feelings of depression or the “Holiday Blues”?
It is okay to need distance from the ones you call family and friends during the holiday season. My girl Astrid gave me great advice, “do not feel guilty for choosing distance over disrespect and drama.” I know, right?
It goes against everything we have been taught and everything we see on Hallmark. But if your mental stability is in question because of whom you're going to be around during the holidays, you have to choose yourself. This is your sign to choose you. Log out of that email, book the hotel room, and give yourself the grace to know it's okay if this isn't the season of joy for you. This is also a time to reflect on your “chosen family,” the people you have around you that bring you joy, and create a plan for your Holiday trip. Below are some tips that can help.
Plan to stay at another location so if stuff goes south, you can dip
Communicate fears with a therapist and see their availability for the Holiday season
Scheduled times to speak with “Chosen Family.”
Turn on “away” on emails and set your automatic Holiday email
Do not feel pressured to buy what you cannot afford
Do find time to step away and be with yourself
Remember, you are loved, needed, and have a purpose!
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
