Five ways to cope with mental health issues over the holidays
The holidays can be a very joyful
time, but it can be a very busy time
as well. Often when going home
from school there are people to see,
things to do and events to attend. If
you are currently struggling with
depression, anxiety or other mental
health issues, the mere thought
of being around people and trying
to put on a cheerful facade can be
daunting. It can also make us aware
of feelings of loneliness, isolation
and hopelessness. On the contrary,
it can be a great time to reconnect
with friends and family if you honour
your own mental health and
well-being.
The following are five ways to help cope with mental health issues during the Holiday Season.
1. Take time for self-care
Your health takes priority. Take the time to incorporate self-care into your day. Each person has their own version of self-care that works best for them, but some ideas to consider include going for a walk, watching a favourite movie, reading a book, drawing, working out, or journaling. Think about things to do that make you happy and can elevate your mood and allow yourself the time to actually do them.
2. It’s okay to say no
Taking on too much during the holidays can certainly be overwhelming. Know your limits and schedule your time accordingly. It’s all too easy to say ‘yes’ to everything to appease everyone around you. It’s perfectly okay to say no.
3. Track your moods and focus on the positives
Sometimes it’s easy to focus on the ‘down’ moods, like feeling anxious, sad, lonely or fatigued. Track your moods at least twice per day, when you wake up and before you go to bed. At the end of each day, reflect on what went well and write it down, regardless of how big or small it may seem. Even if you simply just got through the day, count it as a positive. Remember, each day may not be good, but there is always something good in each day.
4. Plan ahead
If you are going to a social event, plan ahead to help keep your mind at ease. Drive yourself to the event or take a cab instead of relying on other people and know you can leave at any point if needed. Alcohol can be a depressant and lower inhibitions, so if you choose to drink, consider setting a reasonable limit ahead of time or simply saying no if offered. Practise techniques to help keep calm, such as deep breathing or mindfulness and use them if needed.
5. Pay attention to warning signs and don’t be afraid to ask for help
If you notice your moods worsening or you start to feel too overwhelmed, don’t keep it all to yourself. Internalizing these feelings can worsen the situation. Reach out to family or friends if you need help. If family and friends aren’t an option to reach out to, use a helpline. Good2Talk (1-866-925-5454) is a toll-free confidential helpline for post-secondary students and is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Another option is to use the Crisis Text Line powered by Kids Help Phone. The service is available to anyone in any form of crisis. Text HOME to 686868 in Canada to be connected with a crisis responder/counselor.
If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, go to your nearest emergency department, call 911, or call a crisis line. Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566) is a toll free crisis line for anyone in crisis and is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
The holidays are a time of giving and sharing, but remember to give yourself the time and space you need. Remember, you are important. Allow yourself to believe it.
The following are five ways to help cope with mental health issues during the Holiday Season.
1. Take time for self-care
Your health takes priority. Take the time to incorporate self-care into your day. Each person has their own version of self-care that works best for them, but some ideas to consider include going for a walk, watching a favourite movie, reading a book, drawing, working out, or journaling. Think about things to do that make you happy and can elevate your mood and allow yourself the time to actually do them.
2. It’s okay to say no
Taking on too much during the holidays can certainly be overwhelming. Know your limits and schedule your time accordingly. It’s all too easy to say ‘yes’ to everything to appease everyone around you. It’s perfectly okay to say no.
3. Track your moods and focus on the positives
Sometimes it’s easy to focus on the ‘down’ moods, like feeling anxious, sad, lonely or fatigued. Track your moods at least twice per day, when you wake up and before you go to bed. At the end of each day, reflect on what went well and write it down, regardless of how big or small it may seem. Even if you simply just got through the day, count it as a positive. Remember, each day may not be good, but there is always something good in each day.
4. Plan ahead
If you are going to a social event, plan ahead to help keep your mind at ease. Drive yourself to the event or take a cab instead of relying on other people and know you can leave at any point if needed. Alcohol can be a depressant and lower inhibitions, so if you choose to drink, consider setting a reasonable limit ahead of time or simply saying no if offered. Practise techniques to help keep calm, such as deep breathing or mindfulness and use them if needed.
5. Pay attention to warning signs and don’t be afraid to ask for help
If you notice your moods worsening or you start to feel too overwhelmed, don’t keep it all to yourself. Internalizing these feelings can worsen the situation. Reach out to family or friends if you need help. If family and friends aren’t an option to reach out to, use a helpline. Good2Talk (1-866-925-5454) is a toll-free confidential helpline for post-secondary students and is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Another option is to use the Crisis Text Line powered by Kids Help Phone. The service is available to anyone in any form of crisis. Text HOME to 686868 in Canada to be connected with a crisis responder/counselor.
If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, go to your nearest emergency department, call 911, or call a crisis line. Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566) is a toll free crisis line for anyone in crisis and is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
The holidays are a time of giving and sharing, but remember to give yourself the time and space you need. Remember, you are important. Allow yourself to believe it.
