Prioritizing your mental health is important at all times, and especially during the holidays. The holiday season can bring a lot of excitement. Gatherings with family and friends, fun celebrations, and time away from college can all bring welcome mood boosts. However, it’s important to acknowledge the potential challenges of this time as well. A poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) found that finances are a common driver of holiday stress: 50% of adults reported worries about affording gifts, and 39% reported concerns about affording meals. Younger adults are more likely to worry about affording the holidays. In addition to holiday stress, seasonal changes can also impact your mental health. According to another APA poll, 2 in 5 Americans say their mood declines in the winter.

With the busy nature of the holiday season, it can be tempting to spend less time focusing on your mental health. You may want to cancel therapy sessions to make time for holiday preparations, for example. While this can seem appealing, it can also be harmful. During the turbulence of the holidays, having professional mental health support can be especially essential. In addition to staying engaged in treatment, you can also use other strategies to maintain your mental health and make the holidays go smoothly.

4 mental health tips for the holidays

• Stay consistent — When you’re working on your mental health, consistency is key. It’s important to maintain healthy habits and practices at all times, including during the holiday season. Make sure to continue taking any prescribed medications. Maintain your daily self-care routines. Even short self-care activities like taking a walk each morning can make a big difference. Treatment consistency is important as well. Whether you’re traveling for the holidays or staying home, sticking with regularly scheduled therapy sessions can ensure that you receive continual support. If you’re traveling, you may want to ask your treatment provider about virtual meeting options.
• Set boundaries — Holiday events are often highly social. If you experience social anxiety, these events can bring stress and worry for weeks before they happen. Whether you experience social anxiety or not, big social commitments can be exhausting. During these events, setting boundaries is important. The first step in setting boundaries is being selective about your holiday plans. You don’t have to attend every event. Trying to attend every New Year party that your friends and family host can be overwhelming. Figure out which commitments matter most to you, and stick with those. You can also take time to recharge during an event. If you feel like your social battery is running low, spend some time alone to relax and be mindful. This can be key to reducing anxiety and regulating your emotions.
• Plan ahead — Holidays can be unpredictable, and uncertainty often contributes to stress and anxiety. To avoid this, you can plan ahead. Try to set your holiday plans at least a week or two early, allowing yourself some peace of mind. If you’re worried about potential triggers that may arise during holiday celebrations, you can plan ahead by practicing specific coping strategies. A licensed clinical therapist can help you come up with useful coping tools to keep your mental health stable through the holidays.
• Embrace your feelings — While holidays are typically associated with positive emotions, they can also bring sadness. A holiday typically spent with close family and friends can bring to mind memories of loved ones who are no longer present. Loneliness can also become more intense around holidays. If you experience renewed grief around the holidays, or other forms of melancholy, it’s a good idea to stay consistent with your mental health treatment. Your therapist can help you embrace your feelings and process them in a healthy manner.

Lightfully U can provide the support you need during the holiday season

As you navigate the holidays and prepare for the new year, staying in treatment can make a big difference. Lightfully U can help you get continuous support through the season and beyond. We offer Virtual Intensive Outpatient Programs for college students aged 18-25. The framework of our treatment is evidence based, clearly defined and data driven. Our treatment is deeply compassionate and personalized; with our help, you can get the treatment you need to manage your symptoms and thrive during the holiday season.

Change is possible. If you need more mental health support as you navigate the holidays, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.