The holiday season brings with it a sleigh-load of emotions, from the warm fuzzies of family gatherings to the icy grip of stress and loneliness. The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) has recently addressed this festive dichotomy, highlighting both the joys and the struggles that come with the end-of-year celebrations.
According to the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE), managing mental health during the holiday season can be both wonderful and challenging. A significant statistic from the American Psychiatric Association indicated that nearly one-third of Americans expected to experience more stress during the 2022 holiday season compared to the previous year. DDPHE stresses the importance of seeking support from friends, family, coworkers, and mental health professionals when needed, emphasizing that you don't have to face these challenges alone.
Resources like Colorado Crisis Services, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and the Colorado Walk-In Crisis Centers are available around the clock to assist anyone in a mental or behavioral health crisis. Their mission is to offer a free, confidential lifeline during times of need and they're just a call or text away. The Crisis Text Line, which operates 24/7, can be accessed by texting HOME to 741741, offering another layer of support.
Maintaining a healthy routine and setting boundaries is also crucial, DDPHE points out. Good sleep and staying hydrated can do wonders for the mood, and knowing when to say "no" to holiday demands is a form of self-care. Focusing on what can be controlled, such as one's attitude and actions, is more productive than trying to micromanage every festive detail.
Additionally, the blog addresses the stigma that often clouds discussions around mental health and offers concrete ways to support others. Being mindful of language and avoiding stigmatizing terms can make a significant difference. DDPHE's What You Say Matters campaign provides a language guide to support people experiencing mental health conditions with the sensitivity they deserve.
Those navigating sobriety during the holiday hustle will find solidarity in DDPHE's advice to forge new traditions and plan for a season that doesn't revolve around alcohol. From creating alcohol-free holiday mocktails to volunteering, there are ways to stay engaged without compromising recovery efforts. For those dealing with grief, DDPHE urges honoring those difficult emotions and equipping oneself with coping skills to navigate the season's triggers.
