21 Dec Holiday Tips
For those suffering from depression, this time of year may not necessarily be the “happiest time of the year”.
Especially if we lost loved ones, this time of year could be a reminder that they are no longer here.
So to help make this time of year more manageable, here are 3 tips…
LISTEN TO YOUR EMOTIONS
Awareness can breed countless solutions. Just by being aware with our emotions, we can make a decision on whether or not we want to continue feeling this way.
Perhaps, we want to allow time to grieve, to recharge, or simply spend time with ourselves. Depending on where you are in your process, spending time to
be comfortable alone can help one “unpack” their grief, and thoughts. Being alone is not ALWAYS a bad thing, it is all about what we do to be constructive of our alone time is key!
SET BOUNDARIES
On one side, we don’t HAVE to say yes to EVERY party or get together. We can work on communicating assertively with our loved ones to help them understand what he need so that they
can feel more comfortable stating what their needs are. However, on the OTHER side, it is good to do opposite action when we feel really depressed. It may be hard to just get out of bed
or even participate in hygiene. However, what will help your depression can be little things like behavioral activation, by just making a commitment to attending a party or get together. Another tool you could use is have a friend to help you just in case you end up changing your mind. They could help you by being your support during times of increased symptoms during holiday parties.
Lastly,
REACH OUT
If you begin to feel more depressed and are isolating more often, this could be a sign that your medications need to be adjusted or that you may need additional help. Reach out to close friends whom you trust or schedule an appointment to speak to a therapist or psychologist. It’s okay not to be okay sometimes and there is help.
If you or a loved one has thoughts of hurting themselves-
Wishing you a Happy Holidays from EMPOWERED THROUGH EMDR PSYCHOTHERAPY!!
All the Best Wishes!
Patricia Bianca Torres, LMFT
🙂
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