McLean's Guide to Managing Mental Health Around the Holidays

from mcleanhospital.org

Elvis once crooned about feeling blue at Christmas time—and we’re here to tell you: It’s perfectly normal to feel that way.

There are a variety of reasons why your days may not be merry and bright around the holiday season. It can be the jam-packed social calendar, deadlines at work, the loss of a loved one, sunless winter days, or all of the above.

According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people surveyed said their stress increased during the holiday season, which can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse.

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A Guide to Celebrating the Holidays After Trauma

from domesticshelters.org

Mariah Carey season, I mean, the holiday season, is upon us. While many of us find happiness in all things gingerbread-scented, there are also many for whom this time of year can be difficult.

It's hard to be surrounded by joy when you're healing from trauma, and for survivors of domestic violence, that can mean a lot of things. You may have just left an abuser, or still be trying to untangle yourself from one. It may be your first holiday sharing custody of children. It may be your first holiday all on your own. You might feel like you're all alone in this new and difficult journey, but trust us, you're not. Plenty of survivors have been in your winter boots and they've made it out on the other side.