This guest article comes from Laurie Eldred of Eldred’s Clinical Services.
Happy Holidays!
I hope that the important holidays — Thanksgiving, Kwanza, Christmas, Hanukkah or whatever you celebrate — are a joyful experience for you. One of the gifts of this time of year is the ability to slow down and connect with people around you in a more meaningful way. The spirit of this time is a mix of the ending of one thing and the beginning of something new and exciting. Maybe that is tied to your Christian beliefs or even the looking forward to a new year and new possibilities.
I also understand the holiday season is not easy. In this article, I want to share three quick ways to help you get through the holiday season without feeling like it was a white knuckle experience.
Tip No. 1: Keep in touch with the supportive people in your life!
It can be close friends and family, or it can be others. For instance, if you struggle with substance abuse or have a mental health diagnosis, the supportive people in your life may be your sponsor, recovery coach or therapist. We are here to help you, and we want you to be successful! Sometimes that can mean a quick call, extra session, refusing to cancel your session or meeting over coffee. If you are having a rough time, please reach out and connect. The power of connection helps you know you are not alone and to keep your perspective grounded in reality.
Tip No. 2: It’s okay to say no!
Saying no to parties, family gatherings and other events can be more about saying yes to yourself as an act of love. This is especially true if you think that it might be an open door to larger issues or emotional pain. You don’t need to explain yourself or feel bad! Only you know yourself and what situations can put you at risk for relapse of mental health or substance abuse issues. Please refer to tip #1 if you are feeling lonely, sad, heartbroken, or angry because of your family situation, work event or other life situation.
Tip No. 3. Be kind to yourself!
The holiday season is not easy, even for people who have awesome and supportive families, friends, and communities. There is a lot of pressure to make things look good, to be happy and to make it seem like you have everything together. I have a HUGE secret; no one has it all together and most of us struggle with a variety of issues. I want you to know that you are not alone and beating yourself up has never fixed anything. Give yourself permission to relax, lay low, cry, scream but most of all, take care of yourself. Success comes even in the little victories.
Laurie Eldred is a clinical social worker and owner of Eldred’s Clinical Services in Lowell Michigan, Her focus is helping teens and adults with transforming their lives from sobriety to recovery. She can be reached in a variety of ways; her website, on the phone at 616-202-2187 or email at [email protected]. Laurie is also on Facebook and Instagram.
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