Recovery Help over the Holidays:
For parents that are in recovery from anxiety and depression, “the most wonderful time of the year” can become a disheartening reminder of past struggles, trauma, heart aches, and disappointments.
Wondering what to do with the kids when they are out of school, the family obligations, how you are going to pay for all the presents, can all add up to even more mounting stress. Feelings and thoughts that have been worked through, dealt with, and overcome can return once again; unwanted house guests in parents’ thoughts and minds.
Here are 5 Helpful Recovery Tips During the Holidays:
-
Acknowledge Old Feelings and Release Them:
It is not uncommon for old feelings and thought patterns to resurface during holidays and stressful times. A reoccurrence does not mean a relapse.
-
Do Not Rely on Your External Radar for “Feeling Stressed.”
Sometimes we are not aware of the amount of stress we are holding and experiencing during the holidays. Good changes, old patterns, and new experiences can all cause stress on the body and mind.
-
Be Pro-Active.
Build in self-soothing and self-care time each day. Make it a priority, even if you don\’t feel that you need it. Eat healthily, walk daily or do moderate exercise, read inspirational quotes or passages, and once a day, involve all of your senses in an activity that calms and soothes you.
-
Be Mindful of Your Thoughts and Feelings.
If any of the old thought patterns or feeling resurface, lean into the skills that you learned in therapy. Take out your old worksheets or educational material and re-read them. Go through your list of coping strategies and actively and consciously employ them again.
-
Rely on Your Coping Skills:
Remember that recovery from anxiety and depression is a journey and follows the same pattern of recovery and learning of new skills as all others; an uphill climb, with dips and valleys. Lean into your skills and turn back toward that uphill trajectory.
If you have tried all of the above tips and those unwanted guests are still not getting the hint to leave, reach out to your trusted therapist or counselor. A tune up, check-in, or an encouragement session from your therapist may be the added support that you need.
Hoping these recovery tips will offer you some comfort and support, and may your holidays be peaceful and loving!
– Catherine
How did this article make you feel? Leave your comments for Catherine below. Please share this if you liked it. Thank you!
* Please See Our Disclaimer Below *
Find great products and services for your well-being from members of The Wellness Universe!
Catherine Gruener, LCPC, NCC, DCC, PDTC. Catherine is a multi-certified and licensed clinical professional counselor, nationally and internationally known for her parent training programs. She is the owner of Gruener Consulting and the Chief Executive Officer of the Encouragement Parenting Division.
