(KNSI) – The holidays can be a stressful time of year, whether you’re hosting or going somewhere or spending time alone. Medical experts say anxiety and depression are common for people for several reasons; the biggest is unrealistic expectations.
Central Minnesota Mental Health Center’s Dr. Steven Loos says the movie Christmas Vacation comes to mind regarding holiday stress.
“There’s just this great scene where Ellen Griswold and Clark Rosewall that she says, You know, I just don’t think the holidays can live up to what you have in your mind. And I think that is a perfect scene to represent what we all struggle with whatever holidays, we build them up to such great height that it is nearly impossible for our reality to live up to those expectations and then we’re disappointed.”
Many things can go wrong, from what’s being served for dinner to how the company will get along. Dr. Loos says planning too much and having too high of expectations can make for an unpleasant holiday.
“Then all of a sudden it didn’t reach that perfection and then we’re upset instead of just cherishing the moments that we have in some of the excitement that can come from the holidays.”
He says if you’re having people over for Christmas or heading somewhere, talk with your family beforehand.
“Let’s just make sure that we host with kindness today and if things don’t go exactly what we want, that okay and if you’re driving to someone that is gracious enough to open up their house to you how do you talk even with the kids about how do we be thankful.”
He says it’s okay to pick meals and traditions based on who is at the gathering and the ages of the guests. He says those spending the holidays alone are especially suspectable to depression.
If you’re struggling with mental illness and would like to talk with someone, you can call CMMHC at 320-252-5010 or find them online. If you need immediate help, you can call the 24-hour crisis hotline at 320-253-5555.
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