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Navigating Post-Holiday Depression and Anxiety

Navigating Post-Holiday Depression and Anxiety

Mental Health

As the festive decorations are packed away and the holiday season concludes, it’s not uncommon to experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, or a sense of emptiness.

Strategies for a Healthy Transition

At Advanced Behavioral Health (ABH) in Maryland, we recognize these post-holiday challenges and are committed to providing compassionate, expert support to help you navigate this period.

Understanding Post-Holiday Depression and Anxiety

Transitioning from the high energy of the holidays back to daily routines can be jarring. Factors contributing to post-holiday mental health struggles include:

Emotional Aftermath: The contrast between the festive season’s excitement and the return to regular life can lead to feelings of emptiness or sadness.
Financial Concerns: Holiday spending may result in financial strain, leading to stress and anxiety as bills come due.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): The shorter, darker days of winter can contribute to feelings of sadness or depression for those affected by seasonal changes.

Recognizing the Signs

It’s essential to identify when post-holiday stress is escalating into something more serious. At ABH, we help our clients recognize signs of depression and anxiety that may include:

Persistent feelings of sadness or irritability
Avoidance of social activities or gatherings
Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
Changes in appetite or weight
Feelings of hopelessness or increased stress

Strategies for Managing Post-Holiday Stress and Anxiety

While the post-holiday period can be challenging, there are steps you can take to manage stress and support your mental health. Here are some recommendations from the professionals at ABH:

Acknowledge Your Emotions: It’s okay not to feel cheerful after the holidays. Recognizing and accepting your feelings is the first step toward managing them.
Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that relax and recharge you, such as walking, reading, or practicing meditation. Prioritizing self-care can help maintain emotional resilience.
Set Realistic Goals: Ease back into your routine by setting small, achievable goals. This approach can help you regain structure without feeling overwhelmed.
Connect with Supportive People: Spending time with individuals who bring positivity into your life can help combat feelings of loneliness. If you’re struggling to connect, ABH provides support groups and other community resources to help you find a sense of belonging.
Limit Social Media and Screen Time: Comparing your experiences to others’ “highlight reels” can increase feelings of inadequacy or loneliness. Limiting screen time can help you stay present and engaged with your own experiences.
Stay Physically Active: Regular physical activity can boost mood and energy levels. Even a short daily walk can make a significant difference.
Seek Professional Help if Needed: If feelings of depression or anxiety persist, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. Therapy can provide you with strategies to manage your emotions effectively.

ABH’s Commitment to Supporting Your Mental Health

At ABH, our team of skilled mental health professionals specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and post-holiday-related stress. We offer various therapeutic options, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and, if needed, medication management to help you find peace and joy during this transitional period.

If you or a loved one feels overwhelmed, remember you don’t have to face it alone. ABH is here to provide tailored, compassionate care in a supportive environment. Our expertise and commitment make us a leading mental health provider in Maryland, ready to help you navigate the post-holiday season with confidence and well-being.

Connect with ABH Today

Whether managing post-holiday-related stress or seeking ongoing support, ABH is here to guide you toward a healthier, happier life. Contact us at 📞 301-345-1022 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a more balanced post-holiday season.

When you think of the well-being of a child, you first think of basic needs: food, water, and shelter. Once these needs are met, however, it’s crucial for a child to have emotional and social wellness as well. In this article, we will explore the impact social wellness has on the overall health of a child and great ways for children to garner social support in their lives.

It comes as no surprise that as human beings, we all need connection with others, no matter what stage of life we are in. In fact, having social support is a social determinant of health (SDOH) that significantly impacts the health of an individual. After spending the last few years in and out of isolation due to the Covid-19 outbreak, social support is more important now than ever before. Having social support means having family members and friends you can talk to and seek advice from when life feels challenging and overwhelming. Knowing you’re not alone in your life journey, especially as a child, creates a sense of belonging and empowerment throughout one’s life.

4 Types of Social Support

Emotional Support. This type of support lets you know that people care about you and have empathy for your experiences. Emotional support often looks like people checking in on you to let you know they’re thinking of you, and that they are there if you need anything. As a parent, make sure your child knows you can be a sounding board for them. If you have family members who can also show up for your children in this way, even better!

Practical Help. This type of support is when people give you something tangible or offer a service to help you out. This could be in the form of money, making food when you are sick, or helping to pack when moving. Having family and friends show up in this way shows your child what it looks like to be present for people you love.

Sharing Points of View. This type of support can often come in the form of affirmations and encouragement. For example, pointing out your child’s strengths to them and reminding them they can do anything they put their mind to. It can also look like sharing another perspective if they are being hard on themselves. For example, if they are angry with themselves after receiving a bad grade on a test, you can help them see it as a learning experience and a way for them to grow.

Sharing Information. This type of support is when someone shares what they’ve learned from their own life experiences. For example, if another parent has a child who struggles with socializing, they can share some tips and tricks they’ve learned to help their child find and create social support.

The Importance of Social Groups and Extended Support

Children who are connected to their family, friends, and people in their community have opportunities to learn how to speak, share, and get along with others. When your child feels connected to people in your neighborhood, it often allows them to feel physically safe which can alleviate stress and worry. Simply riding bikes, going on walks, and saying hello to neighbors with your kids can create this sense of security for them.

In addition to engaging with your neighbors, getting involved in local organizations can also create social support for your child. Signing up for a sports team, musical theater, art class or summer camp are all great ways to help your child meet new friends and learn important social skills that can carry them through their lives.

Tips for Helping Kids Make Community Connections:

Spend time outside in your neighborhood playing on the playground, going to a local farmer’s market, or scheduling a playdate with neighborhood kids.

Show your kids that connection is a two-way street. If your neighbors or friends go out of town, offer to get their mail, or water their plants and take your child with you when you go. This will show your child how you show up for people you care about.

Make sure you make time for socializing with friends as well. Your child looks to you first and foremost for how they should act and live their own life.

Encourage your child to step out of their comfort zone and do something they may be scared to do. As a parent, it’s your job to push them into something social for their own well-being at times.