Managing Mental Health During the Holidays

You’re looking for information on managing mental health during the holidays. There are a myriad of reasons why you may be experiencing complicated or difficult feelings during these upcoming months. From October to January, there are various multinational holidays being celebrated. This includes Día de Muertos, Thanksgiving, Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, and more.

 

What might be going on for you during the holiday season? Let me guess – a lot. You might be struggling with grief. Someone important to you is no longer in your life, and their absence is all too evident. Maybe you and your family are no longer in contact, leaving you feeling complicated emotions. 

 

There could be anxiety about all of the anticipated conversations and gatherings, which you don’t want to participate in. Maybe you’ve been struggling with depression, feeling fatigued, empty, sad, or lonely. The holiday season triggers you to feel even more alone, and you’re not sure how to cope. 

 

Whatever the reasoning may be, you can manage your mental health during the holidays. There are steps you can take to prepare to support yourself in effective and healthy ways. Upon starting therapy in Simi Valley, you’ll feel the pressure relieve itself. Make sure to read our blog on the Difference Between Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Therapists.

 

Managing Mental Health During the Holidays: Connect with professional support

I know, you probably hear this a lot. You may have random ads pop up for virtual therapy companies, or hear your friends break down their latest therapy session. It may have even crossed your mind that having a designated person will be good for you. Or, that all just feels overwhelming. Opening up about my family trauma, during a notoriously family oriented season? No thanks. 

 

However, having that designated person for support is good for you. It’s amazing to have a support system of friends, colleagues, or family members during this time to lean on. However, it’s important to acknowledge that professional support can be 100% present with you and your issues. 

 

With the right fit therapist, you will be able to trust and confide in them. Your therapist will have an in-depth understanding of the issues you’re experiencing, and have readily available tools to help. They are trained in various modalities of therapy, have extensive educational background, and more. 

 

Therapy moves at your pace. You don’t have to open up a can of worms about difficult and distressing topics. Just coming into session, and sharing that you’re struggling, is enough. Your therapist will provide gentle guidance and support. They’ll also be reliable, and consistently meet with you to review the issues at hand. 

 

If you reside in Ventura County, consider working with a Simi Valley therapist. We hold sessions in-person, or virtually, depending on what’s best for your needs. Make sure to read our blog on the 3 Kinds of Therapy in Simi Valley!

 

Managing Mental Health During the Holidays: Come up with a coping skills list

When in doubt, have a list of things that make you feel good, regulated, or calm. For the 167 hours during the week that you’re not meeting with a therapist, you’ll need to consider some coping strategies. I know you are already in therapy because you’re struggling to cope. However, by trying this out, you can only become more resilient.

 

You know yourself best. What can make you feel better? Think about this in a range of different areas. This includes food, activities, excursions, media, exercise, people, structure, and more. Maybe your comfort movie or TV can help ground you. What does [insert your name here] enjoy, that brings them a sense of safety? Consider making this a small project, where you can input your answers into each section. 

 

Keeping this list in eyesight, maybe even in several spots around your home, can help provide reminders. When we’re distressed, it can be hard to consider coping skills. We may just want to curl up and sleep as much as possible. You may grapple with feeling low-motivation, sluggishness, or the opposite. Maybe you notice feeling restless, needing to let out some energy.

 

If you’re not sure what works for you, try testing out a few different things. It can be tricky finding things that genuinely help us. However, we can discover them through trial and error. Some days will feel more effective than others. In therapy in Simi Valley, you can expect your therapist to support you in finding what works best for you. Make sure to read our blog on How to Stop Invalidating Yourself!

 

Managing Mental Health During the Holidays: Connect with others

Feelings of loneliness can make it difficult for us to function. It could be that you are not living near friends or family – and travel is expensive. You may also be separated from your family, and feel hurt about these circumstances. Furthermore, perhaps you do not have a large support circle, loved ones have passed away, and you live alone. 

 

Whatever the situation may be, it makes sense that loneliness can exacerbate during this time. Seeing others get together, whether in public, social media, or hearing of gatherings, can be difficult. Therefore, do what you can to connect with others. 

 

Think about what your community may look like. Are you an active person that likes specific activities or trying new things? Consider looking into local fitness or recreational classes/groups. Are you religious, or wanting to be a part of a local church? Look into local church programs or gatherings. Are you LGBTQ+, and seeking meet-ups with others? 

 

Perhaps you already have a community of friends, coworkers, or extended family. Take some time to see if you can organize or plan a get-together. No matter how large or small, it’s about spending time together to share support. You may also want to consider doing phone or video visits with family and friends that live far away. 

 

Struggling with mental health during the holiday season is exhausting and can leave you feeling hopeless. If you need help, you’re not alone. Call 988 or text BRAVE to 741741. Trained crisis counselors are here to support you.

 

In-person therapy in Simi Valley is ideal for those seeking a separate, safe space from their home. Check out our blog on Online Therapy or In Office Therapy to understand what format is best for you. Another great blog to read is ours on if you need Therapy or Medication to address your issues.

 

By seeking out support, you can begin your journey to feeling relief. You don’t have to go through finding the right level of support alone, either. By clicking here, you’ll read our blog on Information About Simi Valley Therapists.

 

Consider calling our therapy group at (805) 774-1506 for a free consultation on how you or a loved one can get started today!

 

Seek out a validating, safe environment with us today. We will help you get to where you want to be. Our therapists provide trauma therapy, teen therapy, individual adult therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, anxiety therapy, depression therapy, family therapy, and more in-office in Simi Valley, CA.