As I see the first snowflakes fall early this season, it reminds me that the holidays are approaching faster than I’d like. Every holiday season has it’s share of heightened anxiety and other emotions, but this year is exceptionally rough with COVID-19 and rising cases of infection. Thoughts flood into my mind and anxious feelings begin to swirl, gaining speed with every additional thought. Can we even pull off a relatively normal holiday?

It’s not going to be easy. Not everyone in my family shares the same beliefs. Uncle Joe doesn’t believe in masks. My sister Susan believes in every conspiracy theory out there, maybe she’s the byproduct of an alien encounter, which would explain a lot.

We can’t see Grandpa Lou, he’s in a nursing home and visits aren’t allowed. That’s depressing.

My husband and I are working hard to keep ourselve’s safe, healthy and not overexposed. My own children are split on their beliefs, safety practices, and lifestyle choices in this COVID rich world. Worry abounds. We worry about our children and the choices they make. They are worried about us, praying that an individual social decision they make doesn’t result in our demise.

In past years, all you have to worry about is whether the day would pass without major incident, not death. Ok, so when we talked about no major incident in the past, that typically meant no arguments and no one walking out. Seems a little minor to me these days.

Recommendations for the Holidays

More than most years, this year will require some extra planning, consideration, and self-preservation. Consider the following for making the most of this year’s holiday season:

  1. Plan Ahead  – Holidays often require some negotiation and accommodation among family members and friends, as far as the days, times, locations and menus. This year may require more planning, particularly in understanding, accommodating, and possibly even separating, to make sure guests feel safe and comfortable with the COVID-spread potential of the family gathering.
  2. Appropriate Expectations – if there was ever a year for simplifying and work-sharing, this might be it. Consider asking others to bring desserts, salads, or side dishes. Maybe it’s time for less formal gatherings, and less complicated menus.
  3. Caring for others – Holidays provide rare opportunities for socializing and connecting with families and friends. Yet holidays can also be a serious source of stress, and can trigger loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Take the opportunity to check in on your loved ones, being aware of signs that might signal a need for help, including withdrawal, irritability, and loneliness.
  4. Caring for yourself – Your first priority during the holidays will be to take care of yourself – staying active, sticking to your routines, getting sleep, eating right, minimizing the use of drugs or alcohol, and set aside time for yourself.
  5. Seek help – If you see signs of depression, anxiety, and stress, either with yourself or with loved ones, seek help. Many mental health providers, including Cashman Center offer both in person and teletherapy services that are both effective and convenient.

We all might long for a normal holiday season. Many might have to settle for less. With the right planning, preparation, and care, we can enjoy the fun, fellowship, and food of the holidays, while minimizing the stress and anxiety.

Therapy can help you have a safe place to unwind, identify your needs, and structure some of your thoughts and worries that are floating around in your brain at this uncertain time. Let us help!

How to Start the Healing

Beginning the process is easy. Learn more about our Providers (Click Here).

For Teletherapy details (Click Here) or Teletherapy instructions (Click Here)

Call us at 952-224-8990 to make an appointment.