Broadlawns Medical Center Managing Holiday Burnout Written By: Kayla Bell-Consolver, LMHC The holidays can be a time of happiness; filled with social gatherings, activities, and rejoicing. But for some, it can be a period of painful loneliness, recognizing grief and loss, anxiety, or depression. It is often a time of high emotion and demands and a time when family and other interpersonal conflicts often surface. Even people who love the holidays can experience sadness. Feeling overwhelmed because of pressure from others or one’s own expectations associated with the holiday season is often referred to as “holiday burnout”. Holiday burnout can be influenced by the stress and overwhelm throughout the year, adjustments in your schedule around the holidays, family or interpersonal conflicts, and other previous mental health concerns. People with a prior mental health condition are more likely to experience holiday burnout or depression. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 64% of people with an existing mental illness report that the holidays make their condition worse. Holiday burnout may look like exhaustion from the tasks associated with preparation, giving/volunteering, and even spending time with family. If you feel you are prone to experiencing holiday burnout, consider the following ten tips to help manage your stress and emotions this holiday season: 1. Acknowledge your feelings. It’s OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season. 2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out comrade. Lean on friends, family, religious or other community groups. 3. Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect. Families, traditions, and rituals often grow and change. Be open to finding new ways to celebrate. 4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, and try to be compassionate to any holiday stress or depression they may be experiencing as well. 5. Make a budget. Decide how much money you can afford to spend, then stick to your budget. Happiness cannot be bought. Kayla Bell-Consolver, LMHC 27
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