December is National Stress-Free Family Holidays Month
Approximately 64 percent of people say their mental health stress level increases exponentially around this time of year. Consider the following tips for keeping the strain of the season at bay.
- Don’t strive for the “perfect” holidays. Be realistic about what you can do during this time; simplify wherever possible. Ask for help with tasks. Gracefully decline some invitations and look after yourself.
- Create some new, more practical traditions. If the same old family holiday rituals have become a burden for you, try celebrating in new ways.
- Prioritize your health. Maintain as regular a schedule as possible throughout the holidays. Don’t skimp on sleep. If you have a workout plan, stay with it. This will help you moderate stress and burn extra calories.
Throughout the entire month of December, there are a number of nationally recognized themes that you can help promote, including:
- National Stress-Free Family Holidays Month
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Dec. 3)
This month, Stamp Out Stigma is taking the opportunity to bring more awareness around how the holidays affect us. We will be highlighting the importance of knowing the warning signs of mental health conditions and how to manage stress during the holiday season, as well as share resources and tips on how to start the conversation if you’re worried about a loved one. Throughout December, we encourage family, friends, and loved ones to learn more about mental illness and what resources are available to help those find treatment. Here are some important facts you should know:
- Most Americans (55%) feel sad or lonely this season to at least some degree.
- People of all ages experience these emotions, but Gen Z (ages 18 to 24) are struggling this year more than any other age group.
- A 2021 survey showed that 3 in 5 Americans feel their mental health is negatively impacted by the holidays.
- People of all sexual orientations struggle with difficult emotions during the holidays. LGBTQ+ Americans, however, experience holiday loneliness more than those who identify as straight.
- Nearly a quarter (22%) of Americans ease their stress by talking to someone -- either a mental health professional (12%) or a trusted family member or friend (10%)
Remember, mental illness does not discriminate.
Join us on to help bring attention to the importance of sharing mental health stories and help improve the lives of millions of Americans living with a mental illness.
Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental health resources.