I am incredibly nervous about the holidays approaching. I find them to be stressful and often quite depressing given my past struggles. I suffered from depression years ago and haven’t received help due to how busy life has become. I don’t know how to keep hiding this from my family and friends.
— Anonymous Mother, East Amherst, NY
The holidays can absolutely be a time of stress for many people. The holiday season tends to bombard the public with unrealistic expectations and it can be overwhelming to a number of people. The good news is that you are not alone and there are people who can help! What should you do? Follow these ideas…
- Put yourself first. You can’t be a good wife, mom, daughter, etc. if you are suffering in silence. Now is the time to take a proactive step in your mental health. If left untreated, your depression can worsen. A good starting point might be your primary care physician. He/she can recommend medication, counseling or both. Your doctor can also refer you to support groups. You can also call Horizon at (716) 831-1800 and we can help you set up an appointment or connect you with the support you need.
- Stick to your routene. During this time of year, it is important for you to try as much as possible to maintain your day-to-day schedules. If you have established appointments with mental health professionals or support groups, it’s imperative to keep those on your list of things to do. If you don’t have appointments set up, it may be a good idea to explore a group that you feel comfortable attending or making a one-on-one appointment.
- Set realistic goals for yourself and know that you deserve continued support no matter what. Treatment professionals will support continued growth and healing if you decide to go down that path. Learning to better understand and regulate your feelings, practicing healthy behaviors and developing a strong support system will help you towards your personal goals.