Beyond the Hallmark Sparkle: Mental Health Struggles During the Holidays

(KNSI) — It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but what if it’s not?

The holidays can be difficult for people who struggle with their mental health. This time of year can come with high or unrealistic expectations that can lead to stress, while others may be experiencing loneliness and grief – all of which can lead to depression.

Brain health expert Leigh Richardson says if you’re unsure what’s going on with your feelings, there’s a mental checklist. “Think about your behavior. Are you starting to socially isolate? Are you starting to just kind of push back or your friends and your family and hang by yourself? Are you sleeping a whole lot more?”

Richardson runs The Brain Performance Center.

She says it’s also a major red flag if you’re not participating in the things that normally bring you joy.

When you’re having trouble and not feeling like yourself, Richardson says it’s a good idea to take a breath and talk to someone, such as a trusted friend or relative, or make an appointment with a therapist. “It just keeps going round and round and round in your head, and when you talk about it, you can stop that and you can process it and bring it more into a realistic place in your brain.”

The National Alliance on Mental Illness also suggests finding emotional support from others who experience depression. NAMI offers Peer-to-Peer, which is a free, eight session educational program for adults with mental health conditions to speak with trained leaders who have lived experience. Support groups like the confidential, no cost NAMI Connection can also help.

Mental health experts also say to avoid drugs and alcohol. Substances can disturb emotional balance, interact with medications, and hinder recovery or worsen symptoms.

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