Boosting Mental Health During the Holidays

By: Kaylah Gearhart

The holiday season is a busy season for most people, regardless of what holidays they celebrate or what the season brings for them. Along with the holidays also comes the winter season, which effects many people’s mood and overall well-being.

There is a large number of our population that suffers from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) commonly known as seasonal depression. SAD can have more drastic effects on those diagnosed with anxiety and depression. It is important to take care of yourself and those around you all year long, especially during the holiday seasons.

How to Take Care of Yourself During the Holidays

Some ways to care for yourself and those around you include:

Listen and trust your feelings

It is always important to listen to yourself and how you feel. This can include getting professional help if you are feeling in danger or not yourself. It is great to have a person that you can count on to take care of you and check in on you on a regular basis. In order to care for yourself you must acknowledge and address the feelings you have.

Practice Self Care

Self-care can be a variety of different things for everyone. Self-care can be reading books you enjoy, watching a show or movie you enjoy, doing crafts you like, taking care of yourself, an at home spa day, a walk outside, journaling or whatever you personally enjoy.

Avoid Alcohol and Drugs

Drugs and Alcohol are commonly used as negative vices especially during stressful times. When you begin to use drugs and alcohol it is very easy to rely on these as a vice for times when you aren’t feeling the best. Have a plan for your holiday events and set boundaries for yourself.

Reach Out to Others

Reaching out to others can be your close friends and family, a mental health professional or even a neighbor in your community. Doing this not only helps you hold yourself accountable, but also allows you to check in on others. When doing this, make sure you keep an open mind about those around you.

Seek Professional Help

If you feel that you aren’t able to get through the holiday season on your own or with the group your surround yourself with. It is best to seek professional help. This could be an out-patient counseling center, a virtual intensive outpatient program or an inpatient stay.
Put yourself first, and there is never a wrong time to get the help you or someone you love needs. Call Michiana Behavioral Health today at 800-795-6252 to find a behavioral health program that meets your needs.

About Michiana Behavioral Health Center

Michiana Behavioral Health Center is a facility that offers dignified and respectful care to adults, children and teens experiencing emotional crisis and mental distress. We pride ourselves on taking a holistic approach to treating our patients, while also being committed to delivering quality mental health care. Our center provides thoughtful and ethical care to those struggling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse and more.

Located in Plymouth, IN, some of our services include our children and adolescents and our adult programs. We have a team of professional, board-certified and child-trained physicians, psychiatrist and master-level clinicians that are dedicated to giving our patients the best care.

To schedule a no-cost assessment or for more information, please call 800-795-6252.