Maintaining Mental Health Key To Having A Happy, Healthy, Holiday Season

The upcoming holidays are known as
much for stress and anxiety as they are for joyful times with family and
friends. It is easy to get caught up in the holiday frenzy, but there's
never a more important time to remember to take care of your mental health.



For people diagnosed with mood disorders, such as depression, the
holidays can be even more difficult. Sue Bergeson, president of the
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), the nation's largest
patient-run organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses,
stresses the importance of sticking to treatment plans that are already in
place.



"Whether you're diagnosed with a mood disorder or not, it's really
important to maintain a focus on your mental health over the holidays,"
Bergeson said. "If you are living with a mood disorder, remember to stick
to your treatment plan and don't alter anything without checking with your
doctor or therapist first.



"If you're not diagnosed with a mood disorder but feel yourself
starting to become stressed out, it's really important to take some quality
time for yourself," Bergeson added. "But if you start feeling sad or
hopeless for a prolonged period, it's a good idea to seek professional
help."



According to Bergeson, you can maximize the holiday experience and
minimize stress and mental anguish by remembering to follow a few simple
tips.


-- Set reasonable expectations. Remember the spirit of the season. It's
not about who has the best decorated house or who can buy the most
gifts. You, along with your family and friends, will have a more
pleasant experience if you're not overextended.


-- Don't take on more than you can handle. If your to-do list becomes too
long, divide the tasks over the course of a week. One long list
suddenly looks shorter when there are only a couple of tasks to
complete each day.


-- Delegate tasks. You shouldn't be expected to do everything, so it's
okay to ask for help. Let the saying "many hands make little work" be
more than a cliche this year.


-- Schedule time alone. It doesn't have to be a lot of time. Fifteen
minutes of quiet time can be quite rejuvenating, particularly for
parents or in households where there's a lot of activity or company
from out-of-town. Make a cup of tea, go for a walk, or find somewhere
quiet to retreat. The sounds of silence will be music to your ears.
And for people living with mood disorders, these tips can prove to be
real life savers.


-- Be honest with family and friends about your moods. Make sure there's
someone you can talk to over the holidays. Don't be afraid of bringing
everyone down with your mood; your family and friends may be worried
about you, and you will all feel better if there's an open line of
communication. Once you vocalize your feelings to someone you trust,
you'll be better able to manage your moods.


-- Make support group meetings a priority. It's easy to let your normal
routine slip away, but if you attend a peer-run support group like
those run by DBSA and other organizations, be sure to maintain your
regular schedule of doing so. You'll not only be getting the support
you need, you'll be helping your peers as well.



With these tips in mind, people will be more likely to have a mentally
healthy and happy holiday season, says Bergeson. "The question you have to
ask yourself is, 'Can I afford not to take care of my own mental health now
or at any other stressful time?'"



For more information about depression and bipolar disorder, how the
affect your life, and how to cope, visit DBSAlliance or call
(800) 826-3632.


Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

dbsalliance