Psychologists Can Help People Learn to Live Well With Diabetes
(December 19, 2014)
For many people the holiday season is full of celebrations and cheer but, for some, this season can bring more misery than merriment. With high expectations of gift-giving, decorating, feasting and family gathering, feelings of disappointment, sadness, fatigue, frustration or being overwhelmed are not unusual.
Psychologists point out that there is a difference between the holiday blues, which are often temporary and go away once the season ends, and more serious conditions such as depression, seasonal affective disorder and anxiety disorders.
“If people are already experiencing stress or sadness in other areas of their life, they may be especially vulnerable to these feelings during the holidays,” Diane Marti, Ph.D., Nebraska Psychological Association Public Education Coordinator said. “However, the holidays can be a great opportunity to enhance psychological well-being.”
The American Psychological Association’s 2013 Stress in AmericaTM survey found that approximately two out of three people report experiencing emotional (67 percent) and physical (72 percent) symptoms of stress. However, there are conscious steps people can take to prevent or lessen holiday blues and ensure a worry-free season.
The Nebraska Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association offer these tips to combat the holiday blues:
Take time for yourself — There may be pressure to be everything to everyone. People should remember that they’re only one person and can only accomplish certain things. Sometimes self-care is the best thing people can do. Go for a walk, hang out with a friend, watch a movie or take time out to listen to music or read a new book. Everyone needs time to recharge their batteries — by slowing down, people will actually have more energy to accomplish their goals.
Volunteer — Find a local charity, such as a soup kitchen or a shelter where families can volunteer together. Not only is giving back a great way to spend time with loved ones during the holidays, but helping others has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall mood.
Have realistic expectations — No holiday celebration is perfect. View inevitable missteps as opportunities to demonstrate flexibility and resilience. A lopsided tree or a burned brisket won’t ruin the holiday; rather, it will create a family memory. If the children’s wish lists are outside the budget, talk to them about the family’s finances this year and remind them that the holidays aren’t about expensive gifts.
Remember what’s important — The barrage of holiday advertising can make people forget what the holiday season is really about. When the holiday expense list is running longer than the monthly budget, scale back and be reminded that what makes a great celebration is loved ones, not store-bought presents, elaborate decorations or gourmet food.
Seek support — Talk about the anxiety, stress or sadness with friends and family. Getting things out in the open can help people navigate their feelings and work toward a solution for the holiday blues. If the feelings persist, consider seeing a professional such as a psychologist. They are uniquely trained to understand the connection between the mind and body. They can offer strategies as to how goals can be adjusted so they are attainable as well as help people change unhealthy behaviors and address emotional issues.
Psychologists point out that there is a difference between the holiday blues, which are often temporary and go away once the season ends, and more serious conditions such as depression, seasonal affective disorder and anxiety disorders.
“If people are already experiencing stress or sadness in other areas of their life, they may be especially vulnerable to these feelings during the holidays,” Diane Marti, Ph.D., Nebraska Psychological Association Public Education Coordinator said. “However, the holidays can be a great opportunity to enhance psychological well-being.”
The American Psychological Association’s 2013 Stress in AmericaTM survey found that approximately two out of three people report experiencing emotional (67 percent) and physical (72 percent) symptoms of stress. However, there are conscious steps people can take to prevent or lessen holiday blues and ensure a worry-free season.
The Nebraska Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association offer these tips to combat the holiday blues:
Take time for yourself — There may be pressure to be everything to everyone. People should remember that they’re only one person and can only accomplish certain things. Sometimes self-care is the best thing people can do. Go for a walk, hang out with a friend, watch a movie or take time out to listen to music or read a new book. Everyone needs time to recharge their batteries — by slowing down, people will actually have more energy to accomplish their goals.
Volunteer — Find a local charity, such as a soup kitchen or a shelter where families can volunteer together. Not only is giving back a great way to spend time with loved ones during the holidays, but helping others has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall mood.
Have realistic expectations — No holiday celebration is perfect. View inevitable missteps as opportunities to demonstrate flexibility and resilience. A lopsided tree or a burned brisket won’t ruin the holiday; rather, it will create a family memory. If the children’s wish lists are outside the budget, talk to them about the family’s finances this year and remind them that the holidays aren’t about expensive gifts.
Remember what’s important — The barrage of holiday advertising can make people forget what the holiday season is really about. When the holiday expense list is running longer than the monthly budget, scale back and be reminded that what makes a great celebration is loved ones, not store-bought presents, elaborate decorations or gourmet food.
Seek support — Talk about the anxiety, stress or sadness with friends and family. Getting things out in the open can help people navigate their feelings and work toward a solution for the holiday blues. If the feelings persist, consider seeing a professional such as a psychologist. They are uniquely trained to understand the connection between the mind and body. They can offer strategies as to how goals can be adjusted so they are attainable as well as help people change unhealthy behaviors and address emotional issues.
To learn more about stress and mind/body health, visit www.apa.org/helpcenter and follow@APAHelpCenter on Twitter. To find out more about NPA visit www.nebpsych.org and follow us on Twitter at @NEPsychAssoc.
# # #
The Nebraska Psychological Association is the only statewide organization dedicated solely to represent the interests of psychologists and psychology across Nebraska. NPA membership includes 40% of the licensed psychologists in Nebraska, and is an affiliate of the American Psychological Association. NPA promotes the independent practice of clinical and consulting psychology; the highest standards of ethical & effective practice; the dissemination of evidenced based practices; the application of psychological resources to address social problems; and the education of government entities, elected representatives and the public on the practice and science of psychology. NPA holds scientific and professional meetings, conducts continuing education programs, and advocates on behalf of psychology in the Nebraska Legislature. NPA’s Central Office is located in Lincoln, NE.