According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 64% of people report experiencing depression or anxiety during the Christmas holidays. It can be the most wonderful and stressful time of the year. “This expectation of everything comes together,” said Roger Williams, executive director of the Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center. “Nothing against Hallmark movies, but they sort of present an idealized image, and we never quite get there.” at higher stress levels. “I like to talk about stress like stepping into a three or four foot pool of water, and all of a sudden I’m adding another foot of water,” he said. This time of year is usually about being with those you love. But when families experience loss, the holidays can trigger bittersweet memories. “The first vacation I had after my mother passed away,” Williams said. “I had to bake bread for the first time, because my mother always baked bread. So it was almost like every time I had to do something to bake bread, I was kind of confronted to this reality that my mother had passed away.” Williams recommended ‘self-talk’ to combat anxiety: remembering that one thing gone wrong doesn’t automatically mean everything is ruined. And if you find yourself lonely or sad, try reaching out to those you love. “Keep those connections and make more,” he said. “And if you don’t have anyone, volunteer at a soup kitchen. I promise they’ll be happy to talk to you.” one of the numbers below. Text “Help” or “Ayuda” to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. Dial 803-339-3339 for the SCDMH Deaf Services Help Line. If you or someone you know need help, you can speak with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or you can chat online here.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 64% of people report experiencing depression or anxiety during the Christmas holidays.
It can be the most wonderful and stressful time of the year.
“This expectation of everything comes together,” said Roger Williams, executive director of the Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center. “Nothing against Hallmark movies, but they sort of present an idealized image, and we never quite get there.”
Unrealistic expectations, along with stressors such as financial difficulties and a naughty, well-sized to-do list, can add up and lead to higher stress levels.
“I like to talk about stress like stepping into a three or four foot pool of water, and all of a sudden I’m adding another foot of water,” he said.
This time of year is usually about being with the ones you love. But when families experience loss, the holidays can trigger bittersweet memories.
“The first vacation I had after my mother passed away,” Williams said. “I had to bake bread for the first time, because my mother always baked bread. So it was almost like every time I had to do something to bake bread, I was kind of confronted to this reality that my mother had passed away.”
Williams recommended “self-talk” to combat anxiety: Remembering that one thing gone wrong doesn’t automatically mean everything is ruined.
And if you find yourself lonely or sad, try reaching out to those you love.
“Maintain those connections and create more,” he said. “And if you don’t have anyone, volunteer at a soup kitchen. I promise they’ll be happy to talk to you.”
Williams said around this time of year he has seen an increase in self-harm and suicidal ideation. If this sounds like you, he asked you to seek help and call or text one of the numbers below.
Text “Help” or “Ayuda” to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.
Call 803-339-3339 for the SCDMH Deaf Services Helpline.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can speak with Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or you can chat online here.
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