Tips To Prevent Stress and Depression During the Holidays

The holiday season tends to bring on feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety. The National Center for Health Statistics indicates a 15% increase in the number of individuals who actively seek help for emotional disorders during the month of December. Experts attribute this sudden spike in stress to heightened seasonal demands including shopping for gifts, hosting parties, and reuniting with family. Instead of letting the holidays bring you down, follow a few simple steps to battle your stress triggers before they have a chance to snowball out of control.

• Accept Your Feelings
• Clear Your Mind and Just Breathe
• Take Some Time For Yourself
• If You Feel Lonely, Seek Out Support In The Community
• Create a Plan For Activities and Shopping Lists
• Stick To a Budget; Money Can't Buy Happiness.
• Accept Family and Friends As They Are
• Be Understanding If Others Get Upset or Distressed
• It's OK to Say No If You're Feeling Overwhelmed
• Hold On To Healthy Habits; Get Plenty of Sleep and Exercise
• Find New Ways To Celebrate Old Traditions
• Take Off The Pressure: The Holidays Don't Have To Be Perfect
• Seek Professional Help

Remember, here at Gateway Counseling Center, we're here to help you year-round. If you live in the Palm Beach area and are experiencing holiday blues, feel free to give us a call at 561-797-0631.

Grief and Loss; What To Expect When A Loved One Dies

In the event of a death in the family or even the disappearance of a parent in a child's daily life, in divorce, grief begins to set in. Other events that can trigger the highly personalized process (just to name a few) include the loss of a job, beloved pet, lifelong dream, the end of a relationship, and onset of a major illness in a loved one. It is vital not to fight the process, but to allow it to run its course and unfold in its own time.

You may recognize the "Stages of Grief" model from psychology class. The stages occur in no specific order, varying with each unique individual.

1. Denial

You struggle to believe what has just happened, and it doesn't yet seem real. If someone you love has died, you may expect them to walk through the door as though nothing has changed, even though you know they cannot.

2. Bargaining or Guilt

"If only I had..." "I wish I told them..." Common statements expressing regret about things left unsaid, undone, or that could have been done differently arise at this stage in the process, even if nothing could have been helped. You may feel guilty about feelings of relief after a long and difficult illness.

3. Acceptance & Sadness

Often the longest stage in the grief process, deep sadness is also the most universally experienced symptom of grief. During this time you may experience crying and emotional instability.

4. Anger

The loss doesn't seem fair, and someone has to be blamed for it. You may be angry with yourself, God, the doctors, or even the person who died for leaving you. Blaming someone or something for a heavy loss is the redirection sadness into anger.

5. Fear

Losing a loved one can incite a host of fears concerning your own mortality, facing life without that person, or new responsibilities you now face alone.

The most important factor in healing from loss is having the support of others. If your level of grief is more than your support system can assist with, get in touch with us to speak with one of our therapists.