When your nose runs and your temperature rises, you know it\u2019s time to rest and take your cold medicine \u2013 maybe even see a doctor if symptoms persist.<\/p>\n
Danielle Whitebread wants people to take the same approach this holiday season with their mental health. The holidays are often portrayed as joyful and bright, but for many, they can be a painful reminder of loss or past trauma, stirring up holiday stress, anxiety, grief, or even symptoms of depression.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe stress of the season alone can be overwhelming,\u201d said Whitebread, a Behavioral Health Strategic and Quality Consultant at Capital Blue Cross. \u201cAdd in the triggers of a traumatic event, and it can feel impossible to cope.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her message is simple: don\u2019t ignore mental health symptoms any more than you would ignore physical ones, especially during the holiday season.<\/p>\n
What causes holiday stress, sadness, or the \u2018holiday blues\u2019?<\/strong><\/p>\n While some people enjoy large celebrations and decorations, Whitebread said others often mask pain with over-the-top celebrations or spending an excessive amount of time decorating their homes inside and out for the holidays.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a way to divert attention from sadness,\u201d Whitebread said.<\/p>\n But ignoring emotions can make things worse.<\/p>\n \u201cIf your symptoms are affecting daily life and you can\u2019t manage them on your own, it\u2019s time to seek professional help,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n Dr. Bernard DiCasimirro, Lead Medical Director for Behavioral Health at Capital Blue Cross, agrees.<\/p>\n \u201cFor some, family traditions bring stress. For others, isolation is the challenge,\u201d he said. \u201cThe first step is acknowledging what you\u2019re feeling. It\u2019s okay to say, \u2018The holidays aren\u2019t the happiest days for me.\u2019 The next step is making decisions that protect your well-being.\u201d<\/p>\n How do you take care of your mental health during the holidays?<\/strong><\/p>\n Whitebread and Dr. DiCasimirro offer these strategies for navigating the season:<\/p>\n When it\u2019s more than the \u2018blues\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n Shorter days can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of seasonal depression often called the \u201cwinter blues.\u201d Symptoms can include fatigue, changes in appetite, and difficulty functioning.<\/p>\n Whitebread said there are ways to combat SAD, such as getting more sunlight by opening blinds, adding greenery indoors, and taking walks outside. Staying connected to loved ones and resisting the urge to isolate can also help.<\/p>\n But if these symptoms persist or begin to interfere with daily life, professional care may be necessary.<\/p>\n Dr. DiCasimirro noted that virtual options can make getting help less intimidating, especially for those uncomfortable with in-person visits. Online support groups and one-on-one telehealth sessions with a therapist offer privacy and convenience, often with appointments available within days.<\/p>\n And if you\u2019re wondering whether it\u2019s worth reaching out, Whitebread offers a simple perspective:<\/p>\n \u201cWe wouldn\u2019t ignore a fever,\u201d she said. \u201cSo why ignore mental health symptoms? If you\u2019d take medicine or call a doctor for a cold, consider doing the same for your emotional well-being. Caring for your mind is just as important as caring for your body \u2013 especially during a season that can stir up old wounds.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Information provided to TVL by: <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When your nose runs and your temperature rises, you know it\u2019s time to rest and take your cold medicine \u2013 maybe even see a doctor if symptoms persist. Danielle Whitebread … Continue reading Managing holiday stress and depression: How to protect your mental health<\/span> \n
\nJEFF WIRICK<\/p>\n