🎄 Keeping Your Peace This Holiday Season 👻

As we are approaching the holiday season it is important to remember to take care of yourself for when the holidays don't feel so “warm and bright”. Holidays can be huge triggers and spooky for many people. One minute you’re carving pumpkins, and the next you are juggling gift lists, family dynamics, and the overall pressure to feel grateful. It is vital we all remember to give ourselves grace and that you don't have to exhaust yourself to show a perfect image. You do not owe anyone your mental health or state of wellbeing. 

Give Yourself The Gift of Peace: Coping Tools🎁

Here are some great ways to help you protect your peace this season. 

1. Set Boundaries: It is okay to say no to events or to people you know will drain you. Unless you think it will be positive to you, you do not have to attend anything or be with anyone negative to your mental health.

2. Have an exit plan: If things get overwhelming, step outside, take a few deep breaths (or use the breathing coping techniques below), go for a short walk, or even call a close friend or loved one that can help you clear your mind. You can also step outside and listen to a song or something that comforts you.

3. Check in with your body: Notice signs of tension, unclench your jaw, drop your shoulders, and take a big deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth.

4. Plan Ahead: Identify potential triggers and coping tools you can use ahead of time. Even making a plan with a therapist to have time to prepare or debrief with them from hard situations.

5. Stay Connected: If the holidays feel isolating, reach out, connections heals.

6. Journaling: Journaling before or after each event can help you get your thoughts together and help identify what you need to be aware of.

Helpful Resources

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 for 24/7 support.
• Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained listener.
• The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth support) – Text START to 678678 or call 1-866-488-7386.
• NAMI HelpLine – Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text HELPLINE to 62640.
• SAMHSA Treatment Locator – Find mental health or substance use support at findtreatment.gov.
  
  

Have Mentally Healthy Holidays! 🎊 

- ASOH