It’s the most wonderful time of the year. But sadly,
not for everyone.
Whether it’s dealing with loss, getting over an
addiction, being new in town, helping children post-divorce or caring for a
senior citizen, here are some suggestions to help make the holidays a bit
easier to navigate.
Loss of a loved one:
Loss is a sad, life-changing event at any time of the
year. It tends to be harder when everyone around you is joyful and giddy
with holiday cheer.
Don’t be so hard on yourself by trying to minimize your
pain. Allow yourself to grieve – it’s
only natural.
Reaching out to family and friends or joining a grief /support
group can be helpful.
Surrounding yourself with loved ones or others going through
the same experience will help you feel less lonely.
To find a grief group in your area: http://www.griefshare.org/findagroup
Helping those less fortunate can give you a sense of love
and pride, while immersing yourself in the true spirit of the holidays, in the
hopes of lifting your own.
Be good to yourself. Take a long bath, read a good
book, get a massage.
Do something that you love to do and makes you feel
good. Neglecting yourself will only make you feel worse.
New in town:
A Meetup Group is a local community of people.
A Meetup Group hosts Meetups, which are face to face
meetings that happen in real life between members and organizers.
They can range from anything from “a new in town” group to
yoga groups, restaurant groups, you name it, there’s a “meet up” for every
hobby.
On the Find a Meetup Group page, you'll be able to see the
location, description, and topics of Meetup Groups - www.meetup.com
Seasonal Affect Disorder:
A light box mimics outdoor light. Researchers believe this
type of light causes a chemical change in the brain that lifts your mood and
eases other symptoms of SAD.
Most people use light boxes for a minimum of 30 minutes each
morning.
You can buy a light box over the counter, or your doctor may
recommend a specific light box.
Light boxes, available from stores and Internet retailers,
come in different shapes and sizes and have varied features.
They also produce different types and intensities of
light.
Unfortunately more people commit suicide during the holidays
than at any other time of the year.
For people who are under the care of a psychologist, it is
very likely their treatment will be interrupted over the holidays due to
vacationing doctors.
Thankfully, there are many excellent apps for Android and
Smart Phones.
Some top apps are: Health Through Breath, Secret of
Happiness, Depression CBT Self Help Guide, NIH Depression Info, and
Fitness Builder.
Care of a Senior Citizen:
Don’t forget that elderly people tire easily and can be vulnerable
to over-stimulation.
Limit the number of activities for these people and schedule
time for a nap if you are traveling or take them home when they become
exhausted.
Offer to cook for them at your home or help to cook at
theirs. While older people may no longer be self-sufficient in the
kitchen, there is no reason why they can’t help.
Including them in the meal preparation is a great way for
them to feel involved in the holidays, without putting them in any danger.
And if you are gathering in a place that is unfamiliar, make
sure to remove slippery throw rugs and other items that could present a problem
to one who has balance problems or difficulty walking.
Newly Separated parents:
One parent may just have to be the ‘bigger’ one and give in
for the sake of the kids when there is a dispute taking place.
Whether it’s over the holiday schedule or bedtime after a
party, the kids feel the stress.
Try to collaborate with your former spouse over presents, so
there is no competition over who gives the best gifts.
And never undermine the other parent. If he or she
says the kids aren’t allowed to have something, don’t buy it anyway!
For the recovering alcoholic:
Recovering from addiction is hard. Period.
But it’s harder when holiday festivities are filled with
friends and family drinking everything from eggnog to champagne.
Be prepared for what you may face, before going to a party.
Prepare yourself ahead of time by reminding yourself over
and over that these settings may make you uncomfortable, but you don’t have to
drink to make yourself feel more comfortable.
An answer like “I’m choosing not to drink today,” or “I’ve
decided to be the designated driver,” should get people off your back.
Make yourself a note in your phone and read it to yourself
if you’re starting to feel vulnerable.
While this year for some it may not be the happiest and
easiest of holidays, remind yourself that next year will be better.
Looking forward, not back, is the best way to embrace the
future on a positive note.
~Jennifer