The Walleye Magazine

Sometimes the Holidays Don’t Feel Very Magical and That’s Okay

By Kayla Waddington, Mental Health Promotion Planner, Thunder Bay District Health Unit

The holiday season is supposed to be filled with love, laughter, and joy… right? Well, not everyone feels that way. As winter approaches, the festivities begin, with holiday shopping, family dinners, travelling, parties—the list goes on. The pressure and expectation to have a smile, spend money you may or may not have, and indulge in festive cocktails and/or edible goodies can often contribute to worsening symptoms for those living with mental health challenges, or for those whose mental health seems to become worse during these busy months. If you feel like this is you, you’re certainly not alone. Many Canadians find this time of year overwhelming, but thankfully there are some things you can do to help you get through it.

Create a budget Financial strain is a common reason that many people dread the holidays. Take this time to go through your finances and set an appropriate budget for yourself. The ultimate gift to your loved ones is having you there, not the gift you brought.

Set family boundaries

Having a busy social calendar can feel overwhelming. Please know it is okay to say no if you can’t meet on everyone’s timeline, or if you need “just me” time. Communicate with your family about what your expectations are this holiday. Keep a connection

On the flip side of having too many social obligations, for some, the holidays can feel isolating. In fact, one in 10 Canadians experience some form of loneliness during this season. This may feel daunting, but calling an old friend or family member can go a long way, as they may be feeling the same as you. Other ideas include volunteering at food banks, or sending out holiday cards. Don’t give in Holidays are often associated with indulgence around food, gifts, and parties, so naturally, substance use—and abuse— is on the list, too. People often use substances as an escape, but the aftereffects—including feelings of sadness, anxiety, or isolation—can often make you feel worse. Those of you who are abstaining or trying to drink less, please don’t feel the pressure to give in if you don’t want to. You can offer to be the designated driver or bring a festive non-alcoholic drink to the party to share with others. Remember that if you do consume, always plan a safe ride home.

Check out tbdhu.com/ mentalhealthsupport for a list of local resources. On behalf of the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, we wish you a safe and joyfilled holiday season!

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2022-12-01T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-12-01T08:00:00.0000000Z

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