Omaha, Nebraska (WOWT) – From decorating to family gatherings, the holidays can be a joyous time for many, but stress, sadness, and even loneliness for others.
Dr. Natalie Jensen Boys Town Behavioral Health Center I see many of her patients with appointments during this time.
“If trends toward depressive symptoms have already been identified, I think they could be magnified,” said Jensen. “Honestly, one of the biggest things I see is , I think it’s a lot of pressure people put on themselves to have certain types of feelings, and a lot of self-judgment being done when they’re not feeling that way.”
Many people can be overwhelmed with the stress of shopping for gifts or hosting family gatherings when they are on a tight budget.
“I think you may have less energy, feel overwhelmed, have less tolerance for the daily hassles, find everything difficult, tend to be withdrawn from others, feel lonely and self-isolate. ”
Dr. Jensen says it’s okay to acknowledge those feelings.
“And I think it helps to react, rather than just react. Let’s take a moment to think about what steps I can take. Blaming and crying in the bathroom is all fine, but I think trying to react more harmoniously goes a long way.”
If you’ve lost someone you love, this time can be especially hard.
“Do what you can to support yourself, whether it’s keeping traditions with your loved ones or not. It might help.”
Dr. Jensen also recommends finding a support group.
take time for yourself and focus on yourself can Control.
“When we experience a loss or experience a financial burden, a lot of it is out of our control. If you value spending time with your family, it means turning down other invitations, so you can focus on quality family time. You can buy heartfelt things and give them to your loved ones.”
If you suffer from holiday season depression and it continues into the New Year, please contact the Boys Town hotline. The specialist is available 24/7 by phone or text.
“I like the idea of radical acceptance, the idea of accepting the things you can’t change. It doesn’t mean we’re happy with them or happy with them, but just accept it There’s something about actually creating space for that, and I think that’s important,” says Jensen.
In Boys Town Holiday Help eBook.
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