Tips For Staying On Top Of Your Mental Health This Holiday Season

© Provided by Waco-Temple-Bryan KWTX-TV If you're struggling to feel the fun this Christmas, you're not alone.

WACO, Texas (KWTX) -- When families get together, it can be a chance to look back on all the good things that happened throughout the year.

It can also be a time for difficult or unwanted conversations.

A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that 38% of respondents reported increased stress levels during the holiday season.

In another study, the National Alliance on Mental Illness reported that 64% of people with mental illness said their condition worsened during the seasons.

"These meetings are an opportunity to celebrate," said Vince Erickson of the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network.

For the first time in years, families gather around the table to chat and bond.

The Covid-19 pandemic has taken it away from many.

More than reunions, Covid has taken away relatives.

Emotions related to this loss can be exacerbated by drugs during the holiday season, leading to poor mental health or stability.

"If you suffered a loss last year, know that it will increase during the holiday season. If you lost a friend, a family member. Any loss can mean losing a job. A loss is a loss, and grief is that

Everyone deals with holiday stress differently.

Here are some tips that may help you…

1. Don't "overdo" anything: over-prepare, over-prepare, worry, over-think

2. You don't have to do anything with your loved one on a day or weekend. Keep these topics out of your conversation and don't be afraid to walk away from them.

And

3. Admit to yourself and others that parties are stressful even under the most perfect and planned circumstances.

"When you're aware of what's happening to you, to the individual, again, everyone is very different in their experience, everyone is very different," Erickson said.

HOTBHN serves Bosque, Falls, Limestone, Freestone, Hill and McLennan counties.

If you feel like the holidays are getting you down, the Crisis Services Helpline is available 24/7 at 866-752-3451.

Managing stress and maintaining mental health during the holiday season