The holiday season is a time of joy and light for many, but for too many others, the reality of the holidays can be dark and lonely. Amid the bustle of gift-giving, meal planning, and social gatherings, stress and anxiety can soar. When we should feel whole and happy, we can feel overwhelmed, drained, or even depressed instead.
When we’re taking care of everyone and everything else this season, we need to remember to take care of ourselves as well! Holiday stress is more common than you might think, and it’s one of the many reasons why counseling and medical management, including medication, might be worth adding to your Christmas list.
Holiday Stress Is Real
While the holidays are often portrayed as a magical time, the reality is that unique pressures and triggers are the hallmarks of the holidays. High expectations, financial worries, family conflicts, and loneliness can exacerbate mental health conditions. The seasonal rush of parties, obligations, and expectations can leave you feeling frazzled rather than festive–more so if you experience social anxiety.
If you already struggle with anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition, the holidays can amplify your symptoms. This is where professional help, including counseling, can make a significant difference. Talking with a clinical psychiatric nurse practitioner about your concerns can give you tools and coping strategies for navigating holiday stress before the holidays are fully underway.
When Counseling Alone Isn’t Enough
Sometimes, traditional counseling techniques like talk therapy or coping exercises aren’t sufficient on their own. Persistent symptoms—like overwhelming anxiety, panic attacks, deep sadness, or mood swings—may require medical management. The combination of counseling and medication is highly effective in treating many mental health conditions. Faster and more significant improvement has been seen when using both therapy and medication together. If you’ve been seeing a therapist or counselor with little to no improvement, it may be time to pursue medication management.
Adding medication to your holiday "survival kit" doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. It’s no different than taking medicine to manage high blood pressure or diabetes or using a crutch or a wheelchair. Medication prescribed by a qualified clinical psychiatric nurse practitioner can balance brain chemicals, reduce symptoms, and help you feel more in control of your emotions.
How Medication Can Help You Enjoy the Holidays
Medication can be especially helpful during high-stress times like holidays and calendar triggers:
Reducing Anxiety: Anti-anxiety drugs can help manage the dread and constant worry that may accompany your holiday obligations. Even a small dose can make social interactions less intimidating and help you feel more relaxed during gatherings.
Managing Depression: Medications for seasonal depression and heightened sadness around the holidays can stabilize mood swings and improve your overall outlook, making it easier to enjoy the season's moments.
Improving Sleep: Disrupted sleep patterns due to busy holiday schedules can lead to poor sleep, and poor sleep is known to worsen anxiety and depression. Medication can help regulate your sleep cycle and allow you to rest and recharge daily, as you should.
Balancing Emotions: Reacting to stress with anger, frustration, or sadness, can be managed with certain medications that level out your emotional responses. With balanced emotions you can engage with loved ones without feeling emotionally hijacked.
Is Medication Right for You?
Medication is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some people get all they need from counseling. Others need a combination of counseling and medication to manage symptoms effectively. The first step to figuring out what you need is by consulting with a clinical psychiatric nurse practitioner. Prairie Psychiatric in Lincoln, Nebraska can evaluate your unique situation, provide a tailored treatment plan, and walk with you on your journey to mental wellness.
Take Charge of Your Mental Health This Season
Connie Nelson and Jessica Buettner are not Santa’s elves, but they may be able to get you what you need this Christmas.
Adding medication to your Christmas list may not be as exciting as other gifts, but it can be a life-changing gift to yourself. Give yourself the gift of peace during a time that should be filled with joy, not stress and anxiety. Seeking out counseling, exploring medication options, and develop a personalized plan with a mental health professional, you can take proactive steps to survive—and even thrive—this holiday season.
Remember, taking care of your mental health is the best gift you can give yourself and those around you. Don’t let holiday stress dictate your happiness. Reach out to a professional today.
If you’ve been seeing a counselor or therapist and still experience depression, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness or doom, it may be time to schedule a consultation with Prairie Psychiatric. Find out what medication will work best for your needs today so you can have a joyful Christmas tomorrow.
Call Prairie Psychiatric for a same-week appointment. Call: (402) 413-5448