Podcast Summary
Experiencing the Holiday Blues: The holiday blues are a common experience of sadness, anxiety, and stress during the holiday season. Coping strategies include reaching out to loved ones, practicing self-care, and seeking professional help if needed.
The holiday season can bring about a range of emotions, from joy and excitement to sadness and anxiety, a condition often referred to as the holiday blues. While there's no formal diagnosis, the holiday blues are a real experience for many people. This year, due to the pandemic, the holidays will likely look different for most of us, with many foregoing traditional family visits and gatherings. For some, these changes may bring relief, while others may feel sadness and loneliness. Dr. Elaine Rodino, a psychologist and former president of APA's division of psychologists in independent practice, explains that the holiday blues can manifest in various ways, including fatigue, overeating, overspending, and social withdrawal. Coping strategies can include reaching out to friends and family, engaging in self-care activities, and focusing on the things that bring joy and meaning to the holiday season. If feelings of sadness or anxiety persist, seeking professional help may be beneficial. Remember, it's okay to acknowledge and address your emotions during the holiday season, and there are resources available to help you cope.
Feelings of sadness and stress during the holidays: The holiday blues are common, temporary feelings of sadness and stress during the holiday season, not a diagnosable condition. Seek support and prioritize self-care to manage these feelings.
The holiday season can bring about various feelings, known as the holiday blues, which include feelings of malaise, stress, and even a "bah humbug" attitude towards the holidays. These feelings are not a diagnosable condition and can fade away in January. The holiday blues myth, which suggests that more suicides occur during the holiday season, is not based on facts. This myth may have persisted due to misunderstandings and lack of awareness about the holiday blues. It's important to recognize that these feelings are common and temporary, and seeking support from loved ones or professionals can help manage them. The holiday blues is a reminder that the holiday season can be challenging for some, and it's essential to prioritize self-care and mental health during this time. The speaker shared their personal experience with the holiday blues during their internship at the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Center, where they first learned about this phenomenon. The term "holiday blues" was coined to describe the feelings of sadness and stress that people experience during the holiday season but do not meet the criteria for a diagnosable depression or suicidality. The speaker has been working to raise awareness about the holiday blues and debunk the myth that more suicides occur during the holiday season. With proper understanding and awareness, people can better manage their emotions during the holiday season and enjoy the festivities.
Emotional Challenges of the Holiday Season: Acknowledge and address emotional challenges during the holiday season to protect mental health, whether through therapy or other supportive measures.
The holiday season can bring up a lot of stress and difficult emotions for many people, even if they're not physically gathering with family and friends due to the pandemic. While some may find relief from avoiding face-to-face interactions, others may still struggle with the anticipation of virtual gatherings or past traumas associated with the holidays. For instance, those with a history of alcoholic or hostile family members may find the season particularly challenging. Overall, it's essential to acknowledge and address these emotions, whether through therapy or other supportive measures, to help mitigate the potential negative impact on mental health during the holiday season.
Embracing Flexibility in Holiday Celebrations: Adapt to new holiday traditions and prioritize self-care to reduce stress during pandemic celebrations.
Holidays can evoke strong emotions and memories, leading to feelings of discomfort or pressure to maintain traditions. While some people cherish fond memories of past holidays, these can also bring added stress due to expectations and the desire to recreate those experiences. This year, with major changes to holiday celebrations due to the pandemic, it's essential to be creative and consider new ways to mark the occasion. Encouraging the creation of personalized traditions can help reduce stress and allow for unique experiences. Additionally, exploring online resources for pandemic holiday ideas can provide inspiration and options for everyone. The survey mentioned found that women are more likely to experience holiday stress, so it's crucial to prioritize self-care and mental well-being during this time. Overall, the key is to embrace flexibility and adaptability in holiday celebrations, focusing on the joy and connection that comes from the experience itself.
Women vs Men's Holiday Blues: Causes and Coping: Both men and women experience holiday stress, but causes and manifestations can differ. Women may worry about preparation, while men focus on family dynamics. Coping strategies include self-care and seeking professional help if needed. New Year's resolutions can be challenging to maintain, so be gentle with oneself.
While both men and women experience the holiday blues, the causes and manifestations can differ. Women may worry more about the pressure to prepare for the holidays, while men may be more concerned with family dynamics. To cope with holiday stress, it's important to remember that the season is time-limited, and self-care activities like exercise, relaxation, and hobbies can help. For those experiencing deeper, longer-lasting blues, it's essential to assess the impact on daily life and how long it persists beyond the holiday season. If feelings of sadness and dysfunction continue into January, it may be necessary to seek professional help. Additionally, after the holiday season ends, it's common to make New Year's resolutions, but maintaining these goals can be challenging. It's important to be gentle with oneself and understand that setbacks are a natural part of the process.
Setting achievable goals for the new year: Prepare in December, set achievable goals, practice coping strategies, focus on self-compassion and self-care
Setting realistic resolutions and expectations for the new year is essential to avoid feeling overwhelmed and setting yourself up for disappointment. It's essential to understand that you are still the same person on January 1st as you were on December 31st, and it's important to set achievable goals. Preparation is key, and starting to think about your goals in December can help. Coping strategies, such as virtual socializing and setting realistic expectations, can help during challenging times, like the holiday season when in-person socialization may not be possible. Remember, small steps can lead to significant progress, and focusing on self-compassion and self-care can help keep you motivated throughout the year.
The Power of Connection in Mental Health: Engage in therapy, support groups, or open communication with trusted friends for better mental wellbeing. Remember, you're not alone and there's help available.
Key takeaway from this episode of Speaking of Psychology is the importance of engagement and communication in mental health. We learned about various topics, from the benefits of mindfulness meditation to the impact of social media on adolescent mental health. But throughout the conversation, the importance of reaching out for help and maintaining open lines of communication emerged as a common theme. Whether it's through therapy, support groups, or simply talking to a trusted friend, the power of connection cannot be overstated when it comes to mental wellbeing. So if you're struggling, remember that you're not alone, and there are resources and people available to help. And if you're in a position to support someone else, be sure to listen, validate their feelings, and offer your assistance in any way you can. For more information and resources, visit our website at www.speakingofpsychology.org or email us at speakingofpsychology@apa.org. Thank you for tuning in, and we'll be back with more insights and perspectives on all things psychology.
