by Nina Ansas
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

Stress escalates during the holiday season, but it can be minimized through self-awareness and planning. Experts offer suggestions to reduce holiday strain and aid in recognizing signs that signal a need for professional help.

The National Mental Health Association identifies the holidays as a time when many people experience seasonal blues. Data from 2000 show that calls to the local Crisis Hotline escalated from 3,401 in November to 4,553 in December.

Numerous elements factor into individual requests for help, but the extra stress of the holiday season adds to existing depression and anxiety, according to Monique Johnson-Garner, community education director of Crisis Intervention of Houston.

Johnson-Garner suggests sticking to routines that bring a sense of peace, such as exercising or writing in a journal. She urges people to acknowledge their anxiety by taking a reality check and to concentrate on what they have control over.

"Try not to feel you have to meet other people's expectations or worry about disappointing them," Johnson-Garner said. "Decline invitations if it feels like too much."

Family problems also accentuate holiday stress and cause feelings of depression and isolation, according to Cynthia Cook, assistant director for counseling in Career and Counseling Services.

"The holidays are portrayed in media ads as perfect families getting together for picture-perfect holidays where everyone is happy and joyous," Cook said. "We see many students in our office that struggle around the holidays because their families don't follow that perfect model. In reality, most families don't."

Dr. Ray Pledger, director of psychological services, urges those with a history of family problems to have an escape if a family gathering becomes stressful.

"You might have to say to the family that this [family gathering] isn't working, and you're going home," Pledger said. "It's a good idea to develop a contingency plan and perhaps spend time with friends instead."

Slight stress elevations are normal during the holidays, according to Pledger. However, manifestations such as serious sleeping problems, big changes in appetite and trouble concentrating may indicate intense stress. Not enjoying pleasurable activities and experiencing escalating feelings of being on edge signal a need for professional help.

"One thing about understanding stress is that it's cumulative," Pledger said.

"A lot of little stresses can add up to a big one. Given enough of them, they're going to have the weight of severe stress. You have to stand back, pay attention to your level of anxiety, and be good to yourself. If you can't begin to take the feelings apart and figure out where they came from, a counselor can often help."

The holidays often bring recent grief or a loss to the surface and uncover unresolved emotional issues, Cook said. A counselor should be contacted if these issues become stressful enough to interfere with routine activities.

"When everything is chaotic, compartmentalize, break the stress into components that you can handle and make lists of what is controllable and what is not," Johnson-Garner said. "Take time out for yourself and identify what you're anxious about, or get help if needed."

For students, Pledger suggests organizing and balancing holiday activities with schoolwork. Slowing down by doing only light trimming and postponing heavy-duty decorating until finals are over can help alleviate some stress.

"I avoid stress by being prepared," said Arlissa Millsaps, an undergraduate education major. "I study for finals, but I also do basic planning for holiday meals and I shop early."

Top of Page | Front Page