By Emergence Health Network
The Holiday Season is in full swing and unfortunately this time of year can create added stress to lives of many El Pasoans. “Ideally everyone would like to have a Happy Holiday season, but for some people that is not the reality. There can be the anxiety, pressure and tension associated with the months of November, December and even at the start of the new year,” said Dr. Marcelo Rodriguez-Chèvres Emergence Health Network (EHN) Chief Medical Officer. “Some individuals may even experience loneness and depression during this time of the year, so we need to keep an eye out for each other.”
According the Mayo Clinic Holiday Stress statistics — up to 69% of people are stressed by the feeling of having a “lack of time,” 69% are stressed by perceiving a “lack of money,” and 51% are stressed out about the “pressure of give or get gifts and holiday stress has a particular impact on women.
“The mental wellbeing of our community is important every day of the year, but especially during the holiday season when so much is going on,” said Kristi Daugherty, CEO Emergence Health Network. “It is important that if you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, stress, or sad and is having a hard time coping with those emotions that they seek help. EHN operates our Crisis Hotline where you can call and speak with one of our mental health professionals any time of the day or night, 24/7.Talking to the right person can really make a difference.”
Emergence Health Network (EHN) also offers a wide array of mental health and substance use disorder treatment programs, that include counseling and day treatment services. To learn more about those services and more go to www.emergencehealthnetwork.org
EHN Crisis Hotline Number 915-779-1800
Toll Free: 1-877-562-6467
TIPS FOR DEALING WITH HOLIDAY STRESS/DEPRESSION (According to the Mayo Clinic)
- Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. It’s OK to take time to cry or express your feelings.
- Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
- Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones
- Set aside differences. Set aside grievances with family until a more appropriate time for discussion.
- Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend.
- Plan. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That’ll help prevent last-minute scrambling.
- Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity.
- Don’t abandon healthy habits. Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt.
- Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do.
- Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.
