It’s that time of year again for the holidays! Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are just three of the biggest holidays in America. The time people spend on decorating their homes, shopping for gifts, wrapping and hiding said gifts, and of course, traveling can cause even the most easy-going person to feel the stress and anxiety of the holidays. What are we going to the Halloween party as? Where are we spending Thanksgiving? What am I getting my loved ones for Christmas?

The holidays can cause a mix of feelings from happy to depressed to anxious and everything in between. For some, the holidays may be a time they would like to avoid because they are in the outs with their family or recently grieving the loss of a loved one. While others absolutely love the holidays even though they stress out every year over getting the “right” gift or cooking the “right” recipe. Many stress about traveling and maybe having to see that one in-law or having to split time with their children.

Here’s a couple tips to help cope with some of these emotions:

• Remember to slow down and take a couple of breaths. Take a few minutes and close your eyes and take a few slow and controlled breaths.

• Make sure to set boundaries and limits of what you can deal with before needing to leave the situation

• Make a playlist to listen to when you’re feeling upset or anxious. Music can either be soothing for those who need to be calmed or can help us focus our anger and let us rock it out when necessary

• Positive mantra. One thing I repeat to myself when feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed is “This is only temporary” while taking some calming breaths and I tend to feel better by the time I’m done, but also more able to focus on the task at hand.

• Lastly talk to someone about what you’re experiencing. Talk to a friend, close family member, or your significant other. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to anyone about what you are thinking or feeling, then come and talk to a professional. Any space and any person you feel safe talking to about the stress or depression you’re experiencing during the coming months is important. Sometimes we just need to be heard during this time of year when people can seem too busy to hear us.

If you or someone you know is suffering from stress, depression or anxiety, please contact Life Enhancement Counseling Services today at 407-443-8862 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced mental health counselors.