By Lupina Fry, Wellness Nurse

This time of year is full of family, fun, and holiday activities, filling many with excitement. For others it can also come with stress and anxiety. According to the American Psychiatric Association 2023 survey on stress, most Americans downplay their stress. According to the survey 67% say their problems are not “bad enough” to be stressed about, feeling others likely have it worse. Additionally, when asked, 62% reported they don’t talk about their stress because they don’t want to burden others.

Stress itself is not the problem. The problems come with how a person manages their stress and the resulting effects on the entire body. It’s crucial to understand the mental and physical impact of stress and what can be done to reduce harmful effects. According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) there is a correlation between prolonged stress and depression. Experiencing “holiday blues” is common. You may feel temporarily tense, frustrated, lonely, or even sad during the winter months. If those symptoms last longer than two weeks or affect your ability to function normally, it could be signs of
clinical depression, requiring medical intervention.

No matter the cause of your low mood or negative feelings, it’s important to have a toolkit of healthy coping strategies. Moving your body through exercise is one of the best ways to combat depression. Spending time in nature is also a great option. Sharing your feelings with trusted loved ones- family or friendscan also help.

People want to help; sometimes all you need to do is ask for it. Consider volunteering. Find a volunteer opportunity you feel passionate about and give it as much time as you feel comfortable. If someone exacerbates your stress or anxiety, limit time spent with them, even if it’s a family member. Singing, writing, painting, listening to music, prayer, and meditation can help lift your mood. Develop a list of your preferences for moodboosting activities. Attach this list to the fridge and refer to it as needed. Set limits with yourself and with others.

Using these tools if your negative emotions begin to take over can make a difference. And remember that if you need help, you should seek it out. Contact your doctor and let them know how you feel. Combating stress, anxiety, and depression is vital to your mental and physical health. It’s important to get the help you need.