??????Preparing for the Holiday Season: A Mental Health Perspective??????

As we officially enter what feels like the beginning of the holiday season(or at least Target ??and Home Depot are telling us it is ??) , it’s essential to consider ALL that comes with it. As a mental health provider and clinical supervisor, I often discuss preparations for this time in ways that many might overlook.

This isn't about saving money during Black Friday sales or getting organized with Pinstrest to curate the perfect charcuterie board, however we do love those things too! Instead, we focus on the emotional complexities that the holidays can bring.

For many, this season means reconnecting with family members we might not see regularly, often at the insistence of family or societal traditions. Unfortunately, this can involve spending time with challenging relatives or remaining in overwhelming situations longer than we’d like.

Maybe you or a loved one is struggling with substance misuse or newly entering sobriety, the holidays can serve as a painful reminder of past habits. If this is your first sober Thanksgiving, being around people who indulge can be daunting. Specific individuals may trigger unwanted memories and stress, making it difficult to resist old coping mechanisms.

If you've experienced loss in recent years, or if grief has historically surfaced during the holidays, it’s crucial to acknowledge these feelings. As Mental Health Professionals? we know that it’s not about simply ignoring and or pretending like you are good, but that these feelings of loss require legit extra TLC.?

????Preparing for the Holidays: Key Questions to Consider????

Regardless of your cultural background, it's vital to pause before diving into holiday festivities and reflect on the following:

1. What are some expectations I have around this holiday? And how likely is this expectation going to be met? How would l like to think/feel if it’s not?????♀?
2. Who would I like to see/spend time with and why?????♀?
3. Who or what is something I could use less of during this time? What about this serves me?????♀?
4. What triggers came up for me last year and in what ways could I cope better if they come up again this year?????♀?
5. Will I need time for myself during this holiday ? And how might I achieve finding that time? How would I like to spend it?????♀?

Take a moment to slow down and reflect on these questions. Consider journaling your thoughts to gain clarity- to find out what YOU may need. Mmm hmmm yes writing this down has additional mental health benefits! ?????

While this is not a cure or complete solution for maintaining mental health during the holidays, taking time to acknowledge, identify, prepare, and cope ahead can help you navigate the season with greater mindfulness.?

Once you build awareness around your needs, you can make informed choices about how to approach the holidays—something we often refer to as self-care.?

Stay tuned for my next message, where I’ll share strategies for designing a self-care plan for the holidays that goes beyond simple pleasures like getting a manicure with the bestie ????(although this is never a bad idea!)

If you are located in California and thinking about preparing for the holidays by also using therapy, book your complimentary consultation withMindfullyWell Therapy to see if we can be the right fit during this time.