There are many fleeting feelings that you likely feel around the holidays. You might feel a bit angry at your partner for not picking up an ingredient for a family dinner, or you may have a quick spike of excitement when you see a cute dog dressed as a reindeer. There may also be times when it feels like not only are the negative emotions sticking around, but they worsen to the point where it feels like a physical weight on your heart.

If you describe your emotional well-being as having a heavy heart, it means that you’re experiencing a significant negative feeling that seems impossible to shake, such as melancholy or anxiety. During the holidays, having support can help you make the best of the season as you try to manage having an emotional weight on your shoulders.

Having support can look a bit different for everyone, but it may include:

• Talking to a therapist
• Opening up to family and friends
• Attending support groups
• Practicing coping strategies

If you’re unsure about whether you need additional support during the holiday season to improve your mental and emotional health, here are four red flags to be aware of:

• You’re experiencing persistent anxiety that’s interfering with your everyday functioning. 

If you have overwhelming thoughts of concern and a fear of uncertainty, those don’t just go away when the holidays come around. If your anxiety is persistent or worsening to the point where you’re having trouble making decisions about holiday plans or enjoying your quality time with your family, it’s worth looking into support.

Support for your anxiety during the holidays may include a therapist who teaches you coping mechanisms or opening up to your loved ones before a get-together so that they know you might need to step away if you feel overwhelmed.

• You’re grieving the loss of a loved one for your first holiday without them.

Grief may not completely go away; you just learn to live with it. And if you recently lost someone close to you, especially someone who you usually spend the holidays with, the holiday season can bring a heavy feeling of sadness and loneliness, even when other people are around.

Grieving a loved one can make you want to withdraw from people, but you can also find comfort in leaning on loved ones, especially those who were also affected by the loss. If grief is weighing heavily on your heart, the holiday season can be an ideal time to open up to others. You can discuss what you miss about the person and share your favorite stories. While it can be hard, it can also be cathartic for everyone who wants to keep the loved one at the front of their minds during the holidays.

• You’re dreading the socialization of holiday gatherings.

There are many instances and reasons why you may not get overly excited about socializing at big gatherings. Perhaps you experience social anxiety or you don’t know many other people there. But if there’s a negative emotion that’s weighing on your heart, then you may not have the emotional capacity (or “battery”) to fully engage in social gatherings.

If you have an upcoming holiday party or large dinner that’s bringing more dread than excitement, consider options for support. For example, if you’re attending the event with someone, set boundaries with them about how long you would like to stay for, or discuss what to do if you feel overwhelmed. 

• You’re struggling to enjoy holiday-related festivities. 

Despite all the stressors that can come from the holidays, or the symptoms of a mental health condition that affect you year-round, the festive season has many ways of bringing feelings of joy and love. The twinkly lights, the catchy songs and the quality time with loved ones are just a few benefits of the season. Still, if you find that you’re having a hard time appreciating the festivities or living in the moment, you may need additional support to manage your mental health through the new year.

It’s also possible to experience anhedonia, a lack of interest in things you once enjoyed, which is a core symptom of depression. If you have enjoyed holiday seasons in the last couple of years but this one feels different, it might be a sign that you would benefit from mental health support.

If you’re having trouble managing your heavy emotions on your own and regular therapy sessions aren’t enough, Lightfully’s levels of care can help you through the holiday season — and give you tools that last long after:

• Residential Treatment
• Partial Hospitalization Program 
• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Virtual Services (vPHP/vIOP)

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.