The holiday season can certainly be a joyful time of year. But for many people with anxiety and major depressive disorder (MDD), it can trigger a complex mix of emotions. You might feel anxious about social gatherings and disruptions in your routine or stressed about the added financial strain that this time of year might bring. And if you’ve suffered a loss or have complicated family relationships, preparing for holiday gatherings can feel particularly challenging. 

At Lightfully, we know how hard it can be to prioritize your mental health during this busy time of year, which is why we offer a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP). Our vIOP is rooted in comprehensive, evidence-based programming that goes beyond one-on-one therapy. In this article, we’ll explore five ways our online therapy can bridge the holiday gap and help you keep your mental health journey on track.

1. A Virtual IOP can fit your busy schedule.

The holidays can add a lot to an already packed itinerary. When you don’t have the time to commit to in-person care, virtual treatment offers a more flexible option. You can attend regular group and individual sessions with licensed clinical experts between cutting down the tree, baking treats and buying gifts.

As one of our clients recalls, “I was able to attend my family dinner and my therapy group on the same day. It gave me the tools I needed to get through the holidays.”

2. Virtual therapy can be more convenient when you’re stressed.

We get it. During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, stepping out for yet another obligation might not be ideal when you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Virtual programming allows you to connect with your provider from the comfort of your home without sacrificing the level of support you’d normally receive in an in-person setting.

3. Travel isn’t an issue with virtual therapy.

No matter where the holidays may take you, you can keep your therapist by your side (so to speak). If you’re out of town, scheduling virtual sessions is an easy way to stay on top of your mental health appointments. Simply log in at your family or friend’s house using your laptop, tablet or smartphone. You can also do it from your car, an airport privacy pod, the library or even a local park.

4. You don’t have to put your healing on hold. 

It feels good to make consistent progress throughout your mental health journey. Thanks to a Virtual IOP, you don’t have to put your treatment on hold for the last couple of months of the year. You can continue to work toward your mental health goals and manage your symptoms as you normally would. Plus, your provider can help you cope with some of the added stress or complicated feelings that this season may bring.

At Lightfully, we also offer a Holiday Short-Term Option, a specialized treatment option that’s designed to fit within a typical holiday break, which supports the continuum of care during this busy time of year. 

5. You don’t have to worry about driving in bad weather.

Rain or snow can impact your holiday travel itinerary — and your plans to go to therapy. During times like these, a Virtual IOP offers a safer, more convenient option. You can receive treatment from your hotel or home office and worry less about braving whatever Mother Nature has in store.

Tips for managing your mental health during the holidays

When you need support, a vIOP makes it easier to access high-quality therapeutic services. To help you make the most of your virtual therapy appointments during the holiday season, try to keep the following in mind:

• Set boundaries — Be sure to set clear boundaries with family and friends to help ensure that you can prioritize your scheduled therapy times.
• Maintain your routine — Your routine may be a little different during the holidays, but try to keep the core elements that help you feel grounded intact.
• Take notes — Jot down any new symptoms or emotions, so your therapist can help you work through those challenges.
• Use your coping skills — This is the perfect time to apply the tools and coping skills you’ve learned in treatment and discuss how they’re working with your provider.

Above all, remember that handling holiday stress isn’t always simple and a little self-compassion can go a long way. Try to set realistic expectations for the season, manage your symptoms as best you can and be patient with yourself. 

Talk to a Lightfully provider about online therapy today

You don’t have to put your healing on hold until January. Manage your mental health while building crucial coping skills for holiday stressors with Lightfully. The framework of everything we do is driven by evidence-based, whole-person-centered care. 

In addition to our vIOP, we also offer a Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program (vPHP). Our Virtual PHP is designed for people who would benefit from psychiatry oversight, yet prefer an online option. Also, our Holiday Short-Term Option is available for all four Lightfully levels of care. Together, they let our clients access the targeted, structured support they need in November, December and beyond.

Compassionate, clinical care is just a click away. Reach out now to begin your path to wellness through our virtual services.