December 2009: The Holidays and Mental Health

With every holiday season comes a snowy deluge on the spirit of giving and the importance of spending time with family.  These topics, which are special and historical to many, also may seem hijacked by materialism by others.    With all the corporate marketing aimed at opening our wallets for a slew of material things, this time of year has the potential to become very self-indulgent.  Without the emphasis on messages about the importance of giving – of our time, our money, ourselves – a large portion of society’s most vulnerable might be left out in the cold. 

One other message that should be repeated this time of year is the importance of being mindful of our own stress levels and maintaining our mental health.  This can be a challenge for some of us all year long.  However, during the holidays it can be especially difficult as we are faced with a heightened sense of obligation towards our families.  According to the Mayo Clinic, relationships, finances and the physical demands of the holidays (such as extra shopping, socializing and eating) are triggers during the holidays that may cause a meltdown in someone who is predisposed to experience a heightened level of stress. 

Some feel a sense of obligation  to give too much of themselves and their sense of worth as a friend or a family member may ride on how much money they  were able to spend on those gifts or  whether or not they were able to travel to be with loved ones.  In other words, the messages of giving that often penetrate our psyches can easily convince us that what we give or cannot give of ourselves this time of year can be quantified, measured, and compared, and then be used to determine our worth as a family member or friend.   It is no less healthy for a person to be completely alone during the holidays.  Separation from family members is always difficult; during the holidays, however, the distance may seem more difficult as we watch others appearing the enjoy holidays in ways we are not. 

Perhaps one of the greatest gifts we all can focus on giving this holiday season is the gift of sensitivity to those around us who may be experiencing undue stress.  The Austin Travis County Integral Care (ATCIC) has a crisis hotline that is open 24/7 for anyone who is experiencing serious depression or a mental health crisis.  Call them at 512-472-HELP (4357) or visit their walk-in clinic at Psychiatric Emergency Services at 56 East Avenue.  According to ATCIC, signs of a crisis might include:

• Feeling that you are at risk of hurting yourself or someone else,
• The sense that you can no longer cope with life, and/or
• Feelings of severe or overwhelming anxiety or fear.

If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of being overwhelmed and unable to cope, please do not suffer in silence.  Tell someone: a trusted friend or coworker, a religious leader, or a mental health professional.   The spirit of help is out there for all. 

The holidays are ours to enjoy, so please do so! Enjoy both the giving and the receiving. Happy Holidays to all!