Holiday Hope: A Guide to Managing Challenges

Holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and cheer, but for many, they can be a season of stress and sadness. Increased family pressures, financial burdens, and feelings of isolation can all contribute to the holiday blues.

At ACCADA, we usually hear from our clients that these feelings can be overwhelming. Our services provide a safe space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported. We offer a variety of resources to help you manage stress, cope with difficult emotions, and build healthy relationships.

As we near the holiday season, here are some things to keep in mind:

• It's okay to not feel perfect: The end of year holidays can be a time of unrealistic expectations and potential disappointment. It's okay to have mixed feelings about special dates on the calendar. Putting careful thought into your holidays plans may help alleviate pressure. Is it more important that you bring the cookies to the party, or that you show up? Does your family member know that your work schedule won’t allow you to help them plan that party? Does your kid need the “perfect” gift, or is a thoughtful gift that shows you love them more important? Managing expectations about the season by examining your priorities and respecting your own boundaries can be a winning strategy.
  
  
• You're not alone: Millions of people experience holiday blues. Talking to someone you trust can make a big difference. Find someone safe, whether a friend or family member, or someone through ACCADA. Studies have proven that talking about your concerns with a trusted confidant can help you address and reduce stress, and uncover coping strategies that are tailored to your needs.
  
  
• Take care of yourself: The holidays are full of fun events and tasty food! Enjoy yourself, but make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising regularly. All of these things help on a regular basis, but are especially important during times of extra stress. 
  
  
• Avoid temptation: Holiday parties are fun! They can bring with them, though, temptations. You can avoid temptations by offering to bring alternative fun holiday options to the party, or ask the host for a quiet place to decompress when you’re needing a break. And of course, ACCADA will be there to assist you in staying strong in your sobriety journey. 
  
  
• The Post Holiday Let-Down: Most people feel a sense of disappointment after the holidays as we transition away from the celebrations and back to regular life. The endorphins from all of the build-up and planning wash away, leaving us feeling a sense of loss. Take a moment to acknowledge the feeling, then start thinking about your plans for the future. Maybe you’ll be starting a new job or class, maybe you’ll be volunteering somewhere, or maybe you’ll be working on smoothing out your daily schedule. Whatever it is, thinking about the future will help you overcome the post-holiday depression. 
  
  
• Reach out for help: If you're struggling with severe depression, thoughts of harming yourself, or suicidal thoughts, please don't hesitate to seek professional help. Our local crisis hotline is 419-289-6111. You can also Text4HOPE to 741741. The national suicide hotline number is 988. 

Remember, you're not alone, and there's help available. By being aware of the potential challenges and taking steps to manage stress, you can enjoy a more peaceful and fulfilling holiday season.