Coping With Mental Health Issues During The Holidays

LaToya Nkongolo

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but if you are living with grief, loss, trauma or loneliness, it can be the most difficult time of the year.

According to the American Psychological Association, 38 percent of people surveyed said their stress increased during the holiday season, which can lead to physical sickness, anxiety, depression, and drug and alcohol abuse.

In addition to having anxiety and depression, people are at an increased risk of suicide during the holidays. Studies show that 4.3 percent of U.S. adults have had thoughts about suicide, with the highest prevalence among ages 18 to 25.

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death among those 10 to 34 years old. Women attempt suicide more often than men, but men are successful about three to four times more often than women.

Here are common suggestions for ways to cope with mental health issues during the holidays:

• Avoid numbing or avoiding feelings by using alcohol or other substances, which can worsen anxiety and depression.
  
  
• If holiday observances seem inauthentic right now, you don’t need to force yourself to celebrate. Take this time to connect with and plan to check in with a support group, a therapist, a faith community or friends who understand.
  
  
• If you feel hopeless, have suicidal thoughts, or notice changes in appetite and sleep patterns, talk to your doctor. Effective treatments for depression include light therapy, talk therapy and medication.
  
  
• If you need to speak with a professional, the Anne Arundel Crisis Warmline is always available. The number is 410-768-5522.
  
  
• Call or send a text message anytime to 988. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress.
  
  

Whether you find the holiday season to be the most wonderful or most difficult time of the year, I hope you’ll use this time to take care of your mental health by accepting whatever emotions come up, maintaining healthy habits, seeking needed support and making time for meaningful connections.

For more information, contact LaToya Nkongolo at worklifellc@gmail.com or 410-487-6052.