At this time any other year we would be busy preparing for the holiday season; house decorating, gifts buying, and vacation planning, to name a few activities. This year, we are still trying to do some of these things, but with limited ability. The current season of transitions is capping a year that saw us transitioning to a new “normal”.
Many of us have spent a great portion of 2020 confined to closed spaces. The threat of a Covid-19 infection kept us away from each other, and we found ourselves juggling home and work life in the same limited space. The onset of cabin fever, compounded by limited social life and loss of liberty brought additional stress to an already anxious situation.
We are highly intelligent beings. We thrive on rich mental and physical stimuli, human interactions, and the constant satisfaction of our personal needs. Access to these amenities is limited when we can’t go anywhere. Home does not feel so sweet anymore.
As the holiday season nears, some find themselves lost and disillusioned in it. Although a vaccination campaign is in progress, it may take as long as next summer for most to be inoculated. A return to normal life is still months away.
This is an opportunity to take the time to insert a new order into your life, set new goals and rearrange priorities, or explore a new interest. If this is you, consider life coaching as a way to maximize the outcome of this process. Click here for a limited time offer.
If, however, you find yourself feeling hopeless, depressed, or at the edge of your ability to keep up with things, seek professional help. Contact your family doctor, a health provider, or call a helpline (see below.) Give yourself the gift of mental health and find help now.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa. Happy, safe, and healthy holidays to you and yours.
If you need mental health assistance, call these numbers:
24-hour crisis center: 800-273-TALK (8255), or text MHA to 741741
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 800-662-HELP (4357)
NSW Mental Health Access Line: 800-011-511
Local emergency: 911