Sacred Heart - Inspiring Health

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY CAN BE AT ALL-TIME HIGHS FROM THANKSGIVING TO NEW YEAR'S DAY. CHECK IN WITH YOURSELF AND SEE IF THAT HOLIDAY GUILT MAY ACTUALLY BE SOMETHING MORE SERIOUS. HOLIDAY EDITION "EVEN IF YOU haven't dealt with feelings of anxiety or hopelessness, these symptoms can show up during the holiday season because unrealistic expectations may set in," says Toni Simonson, PhD, FACHE, HSHS and Prevea Western Wisconsin Division Director, Behavioral Health. "One piece of the pie is simplifying your expectations, and that takes mindfulness." FOLDING AWAY HOLIDAY STRESSORS Prepare for the holidays by putting some healthy habits into place, including these takeaways: ✳ Practice saying "No" to extra responsibilities. Everyone goes at their own speed. Learn to pace yourself. ✳ If your extra extended family time makes you anxious, shorten your stay or pick and choose between family gatherings. ✳ If you're grieving the loss of a loved one, maybe start a new tradition, such as volunteering at the community kitchen to serve a Thanksgiving meal. ✳ If finances are tight, make gifts or simply lower the dollar count per gift. ✳ During high travel seasons, overestimate the time you need to travel, because traffic is likely. Sometimes what may seem like holiday stress is actually a mental health disorder in disguise, and managed expectations cannot get you the help you need. PICKING UP THE SIGNALS Hopelessness, decreased energy, irritability, restlessness, sleeping too little or too much, and weight changes can be signs of behavioral health issues, specifically anxiety and depression. "Notice if there is a sudden or significant change in emotions, interactions or involvement in activities, or any isolation or withdrawal," says Jeni Gronemus, MS, LPC, Psychotherapist, Prevea Behavioral Care. "One of these alone may not indicate mental MINDING MENTAL HEALTH: 4 I N S P I R I N G H E A LT H

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