The stress of the holiday season is profound and varied across our population. While many wish joy to the world, others struggle to simply get through winter with their mental health intact.
One in five Canadians are affected directly or indirectly by mental health issues meaning odds are someone you know faces some degree of stress over the holidays.
B次元官网网址淭his time of year is often really, really hard for people,B次元官网网址� says Jocelyn de Montmorency, program manager at the Canadian Mental Health Association BC B次元官网网址� Victoria office.
Loss can become more keen at Christmas.
B次元官网网址淎cknowledging that with somebody is really important. Acknowledge that the season wonB次元官网网址檛 be the same,B次元官网网址� de Montmorency says. B次元官网网址淧eople often want to talk about it. Ask them what their loved one liked about Christmas or a favourite cause. Incorporate that into newer traditions.B次元官网网址�
Amid its Joy Sunday and Love Sunday, Oak Bay United Church offers When Christmas is Tough: a service of Comfort.
B次元官网网址淪ometimes people think itB次元官网网址檚 for people who are specifically grieving someone they love, and need time and space to feel feelings B次元官网网址� to know theyB次元官网网址檙e not alone, to feel and hear words of comfort and encouragement. Which is really the truest message of Christmas B次元官网网址� that weB次元官网网址檙e not alone in the darkest parts of our lives,B次元官网网址� says Rev. Michelle Slater.
ItB次元官网网址檚 true the service is for those folks. But itB次元官网网址檚 also for anyone affected by the other stresses of the season.
B次元官网网址淓veryone finds Christmas tough at some times. No one is solely filled with peace, serenity, joy, magic and mystery,B次元官网网址� Slater says. B次元官网网址淚f weB次元官网网址檙e honest, most of us will experience some level of stress, sadness, loneliness or feeling overwhelmed.B次元官网网址�
The Dec. 18 service (7 p.m.) features a balance of carols and silence as well as an opportunity for remembering loved ones. ItB次元官网网址檚 followed by a short social afterward, for those who want to talk as de Montmorency suggests.
B次元官网网址淭his is an opportunity the week before Christmas to catch your breath, to breathe in some peace, to remind yourself of what the mystery of Christmas really is for you and for the people you love and be more grounded. To really experience a joyful Christmas,B次元官网网址� Slater says.
The time of year is emotional in other ways as well. Family dynamics, lack of sleep, over stimulation can set the stage for disaster.
B次元官网网址淭he biggest thing is keeping it simple. Not planning and over planning,B次元官网网址� de Monmorency says.
There are some strategies individuals, and those around them, can use to make the holiday easier. Invest time now, to save burnout later.
B次元官网网址淪top and think about what you want in the way of Christmas,B次元官网网址� de Montmorency says. B次元官网网址淔or me personally, I enjoy the lights at Christmas time and getting together with family. ItB次元官网网址檚 not about the gifts.B次元官网网址�
Everyone has a different holiday routine, Christmas or otherwise, and taking a few minutes to think about B次元官网网址渨hat does the holiday season mean for me?B次元官网网址� can save heartache and headache later. Planning ahead can also include staying within a budget, not falling victim to competitive gift-buying and learning stress-busting skills.
B次元官网网址淟etB次元官网网址檚 be realistic about Christmas,B次元官网网址� de Montmorency says. B次元官网网址淧ick what you want to do, pick a few things and decide on what your limits are and really try to stick to them.B次元官网网址�
The season can also spur sad memories, sparking depression and anxiety. Expectations to spend time with, sometimes fractured, families and to be in good cheer can also be stressful. Helping and holidays seem to go hand in hand, and one way is helping others and trying to make the holidays comfortable for all.
B次元官网网址淚f you have a neighbour or somebody that you can invite so youB次元官网网址檙e not spending Christmas day alone,B次元官网网址� de Montmorency says. B次元官网网址淭hen for people that do have family or have a big dinner, invite somebody that you think might be alone.B次元官网网址�
To battle the blues, look for something to do.
B次元官网网址淭here are lots of free holiday activities within our communities,B次元官网网址� she say. For example in Oak Bay the Monterey Recreation Centre offers thousands of members and activities at low cost.
Family members, friends and neighbours can all help those having a hard time with the season in simple ways, either by helping them with some of the planning tips or just spending time with them.
B次元官网网址淚f you notice and think somebody is struggling, ask them right out, ask how you can help them,B次元官网网址� de Montmorency says. B次元官网网址淟isten to what they want. DonB次元官网网址檛 give them unwanted advice.B次元官网网址�
If youB次元官网网址檙e struggling, something physical can help.
B次元官网网址淚 love to walk. Even at this time of year, itB次元官网网址檚 pushing yourself to get out and get that little bit of exercise,B次元官网网址� de Montmorency says. B次元官网网址淕rab an umbrella get a bit of fresh air, nine times out of 10 youB次元官网网址檒l feel better.B次元官网网址�
That said, everybody has different things that perk them up, whether itB次元官网网址檚 music or a hobby, develop a strategy to manage mood.
Finally, give thanks B次元官网网址� take stock of what you do have.
editor@oakbaynews.com
