Holidays can also bring us down, says mental health expert

By KENDALL KING on December 31, 2022.

kking@medicinehatnews.com

A new study reports approximately one in four Canadians experience a decline in mental health over the Holiday Season; and Alberta health experts agree the festive time of year can be a source of stress for many reasons.

“You don’t have the same routine during the Holidays that you would have at other times of the year,” Dr. Linda Hancock, a Medicine Hat-based registered psychologist, told the News. “So, at this time of the year, sometimes we kind of forget about taking care of ourselves.”

Hancock says there are a variety of ways individuals forget to take care of their mental and physical health, but cites stress and disappointment caused by high expectations, increased consumption and engagement in unsafe behaviour as some of the most significant.

“Expectations are a really big (concern) right now,” said Hancock. “If we’re busy thinking that we have to have the perfect Christmas or New Year’s Eve, we could be disappointed (if it’s not perfect).

“Or maybe people expected to be with family at Christmas, but are disappointed because they’re going to be alone this year.”

Hancock says the stress and disappointment caused by expectations can lead to a reduction in the mental well being of some individuals. She often ties this into other ways in which individuals forget to take care of themselves.

“So often what happens is if somebody is feeling kind of depressed, they overindulge in alcohol or other substances,” said Hancock. “And that’s another thing that’s really important to think about at this time of year is consumption, so what you’re putting in your body.

“Things to watch for are too many substances, and that would cover alcohol, drugs, caffeine, desserts, etc. Just because it’s the Holidays doesn’t mean you should just load up and then end up having regrets in the new year.”

Hancock says consumption of certain substances, like alcohol and drugs, is more concerning as it can lead to unsafe behaviour which could negatively effect an individual’s physical health, mental health and/or the well being of others.

“All these things impact upon each other; they interact with each other,” she said.

While Hancock wants Hatters to enjoy the remainder of the Holiday Season, she encourages them to make choices which support positive mental and physical health and well being.

13
-12