The holidays are a challenging time of year for many people. The season can bring up memories of previous holidays, reminding one of particularly happy, sad, disappointing, or traumatic past experiences. It can also be an isolating time for a person without a lot of social support, and, for people with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, all the apparent joy of the holidays can seem at odds with what they're grappling with internally. If you find the holiday season difficult, it's important to understand that you are not alone. Below are a few tips to help you get through it.

A Guide to Getting Through the Holidays

1. Maintain Consistency

During the holiday season, there are typically a lot of schedule changes, including more frequent parties and gatherings, adjustments to increased or decreased work schedules, and additional time needed to shop, decorate, and prepare. As much as possible, maintain a normal routine throughout all of these changes and don't take on any more than you can reasonably handle.

Adhere to regular diet and exercise habits, keep a regular work schedule if you can, and leave some time for relaxation and decompression at the end of the day. Consistency will help you stay grounded during the upheavals that come with the season.

2. Don't Set the Bar Too High

Be realistic with your expectations for the holidays. Don't imagine some movie-ideal of what a holiday get-together will be, especially if you have a history of feeling let down by your family. Instead, pin your hopes in more logical places, such as looking forward to connecting with a favorite family member, seeing the joy on the kids' faces as they open their presents, or just relishing all the good food the occasion will be sure to bring.

3. Don't Isolate

Loneliness can feel particularly acute during the holidays. But even if you're not naturally a social butterfly, there are some ways you can get out and connect with the larger world. Attend a free, communitywide holiday event, volunteer for a few hours at a local charity, or go to a religious gathering or celebration. Monitor your mental health regularly. If any event becomes too overwhelming, remind yourself that you can always leave.

If you need additional mental health support during the holidays, contact Sondra Sexton-Jones. For over 25 years, Sondra has been providing counseling services to the Juneau, AK, area. She offers individual, family, and couples therapy to help her patients live their best life. Visit her website to learn more about her offerings. Call (907) 586-3313 to schedule an appointment.