{"id":125948,"date":"2023-12-11T18:35:28","date_gmt":"2023-12-11T23:35:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=125948"},"modified":"2023-12-11T18:35:28","modified_gmt":"2023-12-11T23:35:28","slug":"a-mental-health-experts-plan-to-battle-her-holiday-blues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=125948","title":{"rendered":"A Mental Health Expert\u2019s Plan to Battle Her Holiday Blues"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

By Capital Blue Cross \u2013 \u00a0<\/strong>THINK<\/em><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(Trusted Health Information, News, and Knowledge) is a community publication of Capital Blue Cross. Our mission is to provide education, resources, and news on the latest health and insurance issues.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Having spent decades as a psychotherapist, Karie Batzler knows all about the sadness that engulfs some people during the holidays. This year, her own string of recent losses and challenges will put her skills to the test.<\/p>\n

Karie Batzler isn\u2019t exactly savoring this holiday season.<\/p>\n

For starters, it will be her first without her sister, Judy, who died Aug. 7 in a house fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was incomprehensible,\u201d recalled Batzler, director of behavioral health at Capital Blue Cross. \u201cI had just spoken with her the night before, making plans for a visit. It was such an incredible shock that it didn\u2019t feel like it was possible. Judy was the most generous, kind-hearted person I\u2019ve ever met.\u201d<\/p>\n

Judy\u2019s loss isn\u2019t the only emotional struggle Batzler faces this holiday season. Her niece, Judy\u2019s daughter, lost her battle with alcoholism in 2021. In addition, she and her family are dealing with serious medical issues.<\/p>\n

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Karie Batzler<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As so many do this time of year, Batzler must cope with the compounded challenge that comes when acute loss, grief, or sadness collides with what\u2019s supposed to be a joyous season. But Batzler can take something from her coping toolbox most people cannot: She\u2019s spent decades as a psychotherapist.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the things about being a behavioral health professional,\u201d she said, \u201cis it helps me understand that I\u2019m NOT going to be OK. I\u2019m not expecting to walk through my everyday life in the same way that I did before my sister passed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2019Tis the Season<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s hardly \u201cthe happiest season of all\u201d for everyone.<\/p>\n

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 64% of people with a diagnosed behavioral health condition say the holidays make things worse. And the American Psychological Association says that 38% reported higher stress levels when the holidays hit.<\/p>\n

Batzler said acknowledging your sadness, rather than avoiding it, is critical to coping with holiday depression.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople worry that if they give into the sadness and let themselves sink into it more deeply, they\u2019ll go too far into the sadness to come back from it,\u201d she said. \u201cAvoiding the feelings doesn\u2019t work. The feeling will find a way to resurface, often when you least expect it. Making time and space for your emotions and leaning into the grief allows you to acknowledge and work through it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Additional Coping Advice<\/strong><\/p>\n

Batzler also urges people to schedule time to talk about their sadness with loved ones, friends, or a behavioral health professional.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe with other people,\u201d she said. \u201cThat makes a big difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

She suggests those with diagnosed behavioral health conditions pre-assess their holiday needs by talking to their provider about the possibility of adjusting medications or therapy sessions during the holidays.<\/p>\n

Other coping suggestions include:<\/p>\n