The holiday season is often painted as a time of perfect joy, but the reality for many is far more complex. The pressures of financial strain, family dynamics, grief, and the push for “perfection” can make the most wonderful time of the year feel like the most difficult time of the year for mental health.
You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Beacon Point is a dedicated resource ready to help.
The Holiday Reality of Stress and Mental Health
The shift from the everyday routine to a flurry of holiday activity can take a real toll. The statistics confirm that this time of year significantly impacts many:
- A NAMI study found that 64% of people with mental illness report that the holidays make their conditions worse.
- A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that 41% of U.S. adults reported an increase in stress during the holiday season.
- Common stressors include financial demands, managing complicated family gatherings, grief over lost loved ones, and the simple disruption of healthy routines.
Whether you’re dealing with “holiday blues,” Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or an existing mental health condition, it is vital to acknowledge your feelings and prioritize your well-being.
Self-Care Tips for a Healthier Holiday Season
While you can’t control every stressful situation, you can take proactive steps to protect your mental health. Here are essential tips, inspired by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the National Council on Aging (NCOA):
1. Acknowledge and Accept Your Feelings
It’s okay to not be okay during the holidays. Be realistic that the perfect holiday portrayed in commercials isn’t like everyday life, and give yourself permission to feel grief, sadness, or stress — even if others around you seem happy. Validating your emotions is the first step toward managing them.
2. Set Healthy Boundaries
Your time and energy are valuable! Protect them by learning to say “no.” It is acceptable to limit time with family members who create complicated dynamics or stress. Be realistic about your schedule and how much you can take on. Ask for help when you can and remember that declining an invitation to protect your mental health can be a necessary act of self-care.
3. Maintain Healthy Habits
The hustle often leads to neglecting basic self-care, which is critical for mental stability. Try to keep up with therapy appointments, a regular sleep schedule, and exercise. Be mindful of substances, as the holidays can trigger an increased use of alcohol and drugs. If you are in recovery, have a solid plan for social events and seek support when needed.
4. Create a Plan for Distress
Have a toolkit ready for when you feel sad, stressed, or lonely. This could involve reaching out to a friend, family member, or a professional support line like Beacon Point or 988. Engaging in self-care activities such as walking, a hobby, or simply watching your favorite movie can help. Additionally, volunteering or giving to others may boost your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Local Support: How Beacon Point Can Help
For Marion County residents, one vital community resource is Beacon Point, an integrated care campus located in Ocala that’s committed to removing barriers to behavioral health and substance use treatment.
Beacon Point ensures you can access comprehensive care in one convenient location, supported by a network of community partners, regardless of your ability to pay.
Beacon Point Services
- 24/7 Care and Walk-In Assistance: Offering immediate access to continuous support for mental health care and substance use recovery.
- Outpatient Mental Health Services: Counseling and support to manage ongoing conditions and seasonal stress.
- Comprehensive Substance Use Recovery: Services like Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), inpatient detoxification, and residential programs, which are all crucial during a high-risk holiday season.
- Free and Low-Cost Primary Care: Addressing physical health concerns that often go hand-in-hand with mental health challenges.
In Crisis? Need Support Now?
If you or a loved one is struggling during the holidays:
- Contact Beacon Point 24-Hour Peer Support: 352-255-6985
- National Crisis Line: Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- Visit Beacon Point: 717 SW Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Ocala, FL 34472
The holidays can be both joyful and demanding, but you don’t have to face the challenges alone. By practicing self-care, setting boundaries, and reaching out for support, you can protect your mental health and enjoy a more peaceful season. Beacon Point and the Marion County Hospital District are here to support you every step of the way. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of wellness to connect, reflect, and take proactive steps toward emotional well-being.
For more information or to access local mental health resources, visit mchdt.org/beacon-point.
