Preserving Mental And Emotional Health Over The Holidays

mental health stock
Pixabay
mental health stock
Pixabay

Preserving Mental And Emotional Health Over The Holidays

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The holidays can be a wonderful time for reconnecting with family and getting a much needed respite from hectic lives, but for some of us, it can be a time of mental and emotional stress for a variety of reasons.

First of all, at least in our area, it’s dark and cold. December is typically when people see the first signs of SAD, seasonal affective disorder.

Some people may be gathering with extended family for the first time after the death of a loved one or even a beloved pet. And in these politically-charged times, dealing with relatives with opposing views can cause issues for some people during a time that’s supposed to be relaxing.

So, how do we best safeguard our mental and emotional health around the holidays?

Morning Shift talks to Jinnie Cristerna, a psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker here in Chicago about some of the challenges people face around the holidays and what to do about them.