It’s the most wonderful time of the year – for mental health reminders
The holidays are often a busy, stressful time of year with work deadlines plus a flurry of community events, festive celebrations and family visits. The global pandemic and political tensions can add additional pressure. Mental health issues can be exacerbated due to seasonal affective disorder and an increase in anxiety and depression rates, which have risen in recent years. Many people are also struggling with the loss of loved ones or social isolation. Additional stress can come from unhealthy holiday eating, extra expenses and debt from purchasing gifts, plus the rising costs of food and gas due to inflation, job loss or other factors.
Although there’s no magic solution to ensure the holidays are merry and everyone’s mental health is maximized, you can take proactive steps to promote mental health and wellbeing for you, your family and friends, and your coworkers:
- Share mental health resources. Remember, mental health is a continuum with ups and downs for all of us.
- Take time to exercise, especially outside in the sunshine. Even walking or taking the stairs helps.
- Refocus your mindset. Journal, meditate, do deep breathing, pray, or participate in faith-based services; take breaks from social media and screens; plus focus on what you’re thankful for every day versus spiraling into negativity.
- You can’t do everything, but you can do small bits of big projects to accomplish your goals at work and home. Either way, give yourself grace.
- Eat healthy foods, drink water, and get enough sleep. It’s okay to indulge during the holidays but keep everything in moderation.
- Find ways to do good by giving back, volunteering, doing acts of kindness, and spreading joy. This increases endorphins and makes you feel good too. Need volunteer ideas? Check out CHC’s volunteer opportunities.
- Reach out. Get professional help and see a counselor or therapist if needed. Or reach out to numerous CHC nonprofit partners and government resources that provide support:
- Call or text 988, the new three-digit dialing code for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Lifeline (988lifeline.org).
- Call or text the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264. Home | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741. Contact Us | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)
- Call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 for the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline for crisis counseling, resources and support for people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Disaster Distress Helpline | SAMHSA
For more great ideas, check out these CHC resources on mental health and wellbeing, holiday stress and ways to give back:
- Five Tips for Managing Holiday Stress | CHC: Creating Healthier Communities (chcimpact.org)
- When It’s Not the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” – Thrive Global
- 5 Ways To Optimize Mental Wellness During Stressful Family Gatherings, With Thomas Bognanno | by Alicia Gibson | Authority Magazine | Medium
- How to communicate mental health as a priority at work – Ragan Communications
- Take a Break for Employee Mental Health | CHC: Creating Healthier Communities (chcimpact.org)
- Winter is Coming: (thriveglobal.com) – Seasonal Affective Disorder
- A Holiday Care Package for Caregivers | HuffPost Contributor
- The Holidays and Alzheimer’s | CHC: Creating Healthier Communities (chcimpact.org)
- Ho, ho, ho: Healthy Holiday Travel | CHC: Creating Healthier Communities (chcimpact.org)
- Make Your Favorite Holiday Foods Healthier | CHC: Creating Healthier Communities (chcimpact.org)
- 51 ways to make the world a better place – starting with your neighborhood | LinkedIn
- 5 Ways To Give Back Without Breaking The Bank This Holiday Season | HuffPost Contributor
- 5 Ways to Give for #GivingTuesday for Brands and Businesses | CHC: Creating Healthier Communities (chcimpact.org)