What Are Some Tips or Coping Strategies to Find Some Relief During This Stressful Season?
The holidays can be difficult due to our tendency to compare our lives to an abundance of joy and cheer portrayed in the media and greeting cards. For someone suffering from depression or experiencing a loss, this can be an especially difficult time.
It’s important to not dwell on what the holidays are supposed to be like and how you’re supposed to feel. It’s okay to not be okay during the holidays. You are not alone and there are numerous ways to feel supported through the holiday blues, as well as in challenging non-holiday times.
Identify someone who you can turn to. Give a family member or friend a call, even if it’s just to say, “Just wanted to call and say hi.”
Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. Everyone needs support at different times of their lives.
Try not to put too much pressure on yourself to have the perfect holiday. If finances are a barrier, you can express that you care with a gift that is meaningful and personal. It doesn’t have to cost a lot.
A phone call or personal note goes a long way. It’s okay to say “no” to some events and “yes” to events that you do want to attend. Try to keep a regular sleep, meal and exercise schedule.
It’s important to give yourself permission to grieve – feel joy, sadness and anger. Accept offers from others to cook, shop, decorate, etc. Avoid using alcohol or other substances to self-medicate.
Physical exercise can help reduce symptoms of depression. Writing in a journal can also be a good outlet for one’s grief.
If some family members trigger stress for you, then find ways to avoid them. If seeing some family members is stressful, then try making a phone call instead.
If certain family members argue every holiday, just know that you can’t control them. You can only control your own reaction to the situation. Don’t overbook yourself or stay longer than you would like.
Need Additional Support?
UofL Health – Peace Hospital offers no charge assessments 24 hours a day, seven days a week in our Assessment and Referral Center and at all UofL Health Emergency Departments. For more information about our no-charge assessments, call 502-451-3333 in the Louisville area or 859-313-3515 in the Central and Eastern Kentucky area.
Peace Hospital provides a full continuum of care for those suffering from depression, including inpatient hospitalization, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs (in-person and telehealth options). We accept Medicaid, Medicare, most commercial insurance and self-pay.
We also offer a free Support Group, and all are welcome:
- Grief Recovery Method® Support Group
6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays Jan. 8 – Feb. 26, 2025
UofL Health – Peace Hospital
Adult Outpatient Center
4414 Churchman Ave.
Louisville, KY 40215
Space is limited. For more information and to sign up call 502-432-2011 or email Lisa Prewitt at Lisa.Prewitt@UofLHealth.org.
Explore all UofL Health behavioral health resources and support groups at UofLHealth.org/Substance-Use-and-Mental-Health-Services/ or dial 988. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 to offer you free and confidential support.
