December 6, 2022

Studio Talk Podcast: Real Conversations About Mental Health

A Conversation About The Holiday Season And Mental Health

Season 2 Episode 3

In this episode we introduce an addition to our podcast team! Her name is Lisa Early and we are thrilled to have her as one of our new co-hosts! Another amazing therapist to have amazingly real conversations with about all things mental health. 

The co-hosts, Xiomara A. Sosa, Victoria Lockridge and Lisa Early discuss the high prevalence of mental health related symptoms during the holiday season and provide insight about how to best manage those symptoms. In addition they provide resources for anyone who might be struggling during this time so that they can reach out and find support.

Following are some bullet points for reference: 

MYTH: Suicide rates do not increase during the holidays. (NAMI).The highest rate for child psychiatric hospitalizations occurs in winter.

Gender differences: Women experience more stress than men during the holiday season.

• Stress/fatigue/anxiety 
• Hosting holiday events, financial strain of giving gifts, family stressors of having everyone together- out of ordinary dynamics

• Holiday blues
• Depression during holidays- pressure to be happy (rainy day anology) 
• “Should statements”- (I should spend time with family, I should be happy, I should give everyone expensive gifts). 
• Grief
• Losing friends, family members
• Loss of a happy childhood and positive holiday memories. 
• Loneliness 

• Ways to take care of your mental health during the holidays
• Don’t be afraid to say no, set boundaries, or change a specific holiday “tradition” that typically causes anxiety/dread each year.
• Pressure to sacrifice your own needs for the sake of family.
• Continue healthy routines. Our brains love routines, don’t use holidays as an excuse to break routines until the new year. 
• Allow yourself to feel however you feel. 
• Limit alcohol use
• Don’t place pressure or expectations on trying to create a happy memory of a holiday. Create new memories and have fun. 

Below are a few statistics to consider:

• Nami study shows that 64% of people with mental illness report a worsening of mental health symptoms during the holiday season. 
• Approximately 755 of overall respondents reported that the holidays contribute to feeling sad or dissatisfied and 68% financially strained. 66% have experienced have loneliness, 63% too much pressure and 57% unrealistic expectations. 55% found themselves remembering happier times in the past contrasting with the present, while 50% were unable to be with loved ones.

As always, Studio Talk Podcast encourages their listeners to provide feedback, comments as well as their opinions and experiences about their own experiences with major life transitions that impacted their mental health. The discussion offers resources and references for listeners to review and examine and listeners are encouraged to do their own research and draw their own conclusions about the issues discussed. As with most issues, there are negatives and positives found and the co-hosts recognize that as reality and have an honest conversation about it.

Subscribe on these podcast platforms https://blubrry.com/studio_talk_mental_health/ 

Submit your request for a discussion topic to studiotalkmentalhealth@gmail.com

Visit the podcast website at https://www.studiotalkpodcast.net/

Share this episode with your friends, family, and colleagues.

References: 

https://namica.org/blog/handling-stress-during-the-holiday-season/

https://www.mentalhealthctr.com/mental-health-around-the-holidays/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/logged-in-and-stressed-out/202211/minding-your-mental-health-holiday-season

Mental Health Resources:

https://www.thex-studio.org/resources

Studio Talk contact: studiotalkmentalhealth@gmail.com

Learn more about our co-hosts: 

Xiomara A. Sosa https://www.swmhs.net/

Victoria Lockridge https://www.wildvioletcounseling.com/

Lisa Early https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/lisa-a-early-summerville-sc/1044400

The Studio Talk podcast and the information provided by Xiomara A. Sosa, Victoria Lockridge and Lisa Early are solely intended for educational and social change advocacy purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although they are licensed mental health counselors, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical, psychological, or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician or appropriate mental health provider before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.

Copyright XAS Consulting, LLC DBA Studio Talk Podcast: Real Conversations About Mental Health

PLEASE READ: If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emergency room. If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.