The holidays are considered to be a time of joy, but for many people, they're a time of sadness and stress.
If you're dreading the holiday season because you're worried about your past trauma being triggered, you're not alone. Triggers can come in many forms such as songs, family rituals, scents, sights, and memories. Then there is always the pressure to conform to societal and familial expectations that says, “it is the most wonderful time of the year”.
In a survey by NAMI, “approximately 75% of overall respondents reported that the holidays contribute to feeling sad or dissatisfied and 68% financially strained. 66% have experienced have loneliness, 63% too much pressure and 57% unrealistic expectations. 55% found themselves remembering happier times in the past contrasting with the present, while 50% were unable to be with loved ones.”
Here are five tips from a therapist in Tampa, FL to help you manage your stress and enjoy the holidays.
1. Set realistic expectations.
The holidays are often portrayed as perfect in movies and TV shows, but in reality, they're usually far from it. Things will go wrong, and that's okay. Don't put pressure on yourself to have the perfect holiday. Instead, focus on what's most important to you and let go of the rest.
2. Make a plan.
If you know there are certain events or activities that are going to be particularly stressful for you, make a plan ahead of time on how you're going to deal with them. This might mean coming up with an excuse to leave early or avoiding certain people altogether. Whatever it is, having a plan will help you feel more in control and less stressed.
3. Take care of yourself.
This is probably the most important tip of all. Make sure to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally during the holiday season. Eat healthy meals, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. And don't forget to schedule some "me" time into your busy holiday schedule. Whether it's getting a massage or taking a long bath, do something that makes you feel good.
4. Reach out for help if you need it.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, reach out for help from a friend, family member, or even a therapist. Talking about what's going on can help alleviate some of the stress and make the holiday season more bearable.
5. Focus on the positive.
It's easy to focus on all the things that are going wrong during the holidays, but try to focus on some of the positive aspects as well. Spend time with people who make you happy, do things that bring you joy, and savor the little moments that make the holidays special. By focusing on the positive, you'll be better able to manage any negative feelings that come up.
The holidays can be a stressful time for anyone, but if you're dealing with past trauma being triggered, it can be even harder. Use these five tips from a therapist in Tampa, FL to help you manage your stress and enjoy the holidays this year: set realistic expectations, make a plan ahead of time, take care of yourself physically and emotionally, reach out for help if you need it, and focus on the positive aspects of the season.
BEGIN TREATMENT FOR HOLIDAY TRAUMA IN NORTH TAMPA OR SOUTH TAMPA, FL TODAY
Your difficulties during the holidays can benefit from support in overcoming the issues that affect your social gatherings during the holidays. Counseling with a professional can offer a great deal of support that you may need. Our team of caring therapists can offer support from our North Tampa, FL office or our South Tampa, FL office. To start improving your mental health, follow these simple steps:
Meet with a caring therapist
Start developing the skills needed to prepare for the holidays
OTHER SERVICES OFFERED WITH CHRISTIAN COUNSELING OF TAMPA
Treatment for holiday trauma isn't the only service offered by our Tampa, FL-based therapy practice. We understand the many ways your mental health may be affected. As a result, our team is happy to also offer child therapy, premarital counseling, Christian counseling, therapy for trauma, and therapy for depression. We use a variety of treatment modalities including CBT, ART, EFT, grief therapy, and more! Feel free to learn more about us by visiting our FAQ or blog today.