Living with mental health issues like anxiety and depression can be especially difficult during the holidays, as a number of things can trigger mental health symptoms. The holidays can bring about stress, feelings of loneliness, despair, and grief. So, learning how to deal with these triggers in order to obtain mental health is essential for people living with mental health issues. Here at Yellowbrick, we understand that the holiday season can be difficult as people can deal with a number of triggers that can make it harder to manage mental health issues. That’s why we provide mental health assistance through outpatient care. During this care, individuals learn how to recognize and utilize mental health coping skills that can allow them to better manage symptoms of mental health conditions, even during the holidays.

Be Honest With Yourself and Others About Your Expectations

What do you expect of the holiday season? When you’re honest about your expectations, you can better prepare yourself for what may happen. Remember, don’t set your expectations around what others may want from you. Rather, consider your needs and wants and compile what you expect from your holiday in order to keep your mental health as a priority. For example, be honest with yourself about how much money you’ll be spending on gifts, how much alone time you’ll need to take care of yourself, and how many events you’ll commit to. Then, once you have determined what your needs and wants are, you can offer this information to your loved ones. This way, your expectations are what are met in order to keep your mental health a priority this holiday season rather than the expectations of others.

Don’t Be Afraid to Say No or Drop Plans

It can be hard to feel like we’re letting down friends and family when symptoms of mental health issues get in the way – especially during the holidays. However, you need to understand that saying ‘no’ to certain events or even cancelling plans, if it’s in the best interest of your mental health, is completely okay. Those who care about your mental health and recovery will understand that sometimes the holidays can just be too much to handle. So, if you need to say no or cancel your attendance to any holiday gatherings and focus on your own health, make sure you do so.

Know Your Triggers and What to do When You Come Across Them

One thing anyone with mental health issues should know how to do in order to cope with symptoms is to recognize triggers. Various mental health issues and symptoms can be triggered by certain situations or emotions. So, knowing yours can help you steer clear of these triggers. And, give you a better chance of being able to prevent any debilitating symptoms during the holidays. For example, if you know that attending holiday parties with loud music and many people may be too stimulating or overwhelming of an environment, to help reduce the trigger or stress or anxiety, it may be best not to attend. Knowing your triggers and working your lifestyle around them during the holidays can help you cope and have a better time.

Get Help When You Need To

The holidays shouldn’t keep you from getting the mental health help you need. If using your mental health coping skills isn’t enough to keep you from experiencing debilitating symptoms of mental health issues, Yellowbrick is here to help. Find out about our treatment services and how our evidence-based treatment can help you discover how to cope with mental health issues, even during the holiday season.