The Know Rare guide to taking care of your emotional health this holiday season 

The holiday season is just around the corner, and for many, this time of year can be a time of joy, connection, and happiness. But for many others, including those navigating the diagnosis of a rare disease, it can be common for the holidays to be a stressful, unhappy, or difficult season. 

Here are our five ways to protect your emotional health during the busy holiday season. 

Give Yourself Grace

The holiday season is the season of more, more, more. More eating, more spending, more time with friends and family, and more being asked of you. While that all might sound wonderful, we know that too much of a good thing can be overwhelming and sometimes downright stressful.

Practice giving yourself grace this holiday season by letting go of that feeling of obligation to be “merry and bright” all the time. The mainstream idea of the perfect holiday season doesn’t exist in the real world, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by all the demands. Some of our helpful tips to give grace and protect your mental health include:

• The past doesn’t need to define your future. You can change traditions and create new ones if they no longer bring you joy or serve you

• Ignore the pressure to do it all - no one can be in the holiday spirit 100% of the time. And if you’re not in the mood to celebrate the holidays at all, don’t.

Set Boundaries

When it comes to the holiday season, we all feel the pinch of additional stress, spending, and responsibilities. Mix in social gatherings with friends and family members you may not see often, and the holidays can be a nightmare for your personal boundaries.

Setting and maintaining boundaries with family, kids, friends, your partner, and work can help you better manage expectations for this busy time and clearly outline the space you need to focus on your own mental health. But trying to reinforce boundaries once they are already crossed is easier said than done, so we recommend starting early so you can better outline your personal expectations and non-negotiables this holiday season.

Over the course of the holiday season, we recommend sitting down and writing down the boundaries you hope to maintain. Next, communicate these boundaries clearly with those around you and those who it might impact. Reinforce your boundaries with polite but firm responses for friends, family, and coworkers.

With a bit of preparation and clear expectations, you can protect your boundaries and maintain your relationships, even during the most wonderful time of the year.

Some helpful boundaries to protect your mental health might include:

• Setting a budget and discussing alternative gifting arrangements (like a Secret Santa) to avoid overspending

• Agreeing to participate in an event or holiday function but clearly outlining what time you will be leaving

• Saying no to events that don’t bring you joy or cause stress

• Reinforcing the need for time and space to maintain healthy habits like eating right and exercising.

Create Space for Yourself

Don’t forget to schedule time for yourself to decompress and help you be the best version of yourself. This might mean taking a morning to sleep in, saying no to events in order to rest and spend a night at home, or leaving early to maintain your boundaries. You are allowed to create the holiday season that works best for you and your mental health. 

Build Connections

Despite what the mainstream perception of the holiday season might be, many Americans report feeling lonely and isolated during the holiday season. If you or someone you love is feeling isolated or is struggling with their mental health, there are ways to bring back that sense of connection without relying on the “typical” holiday functions, including:

• Find opportunities to give back through local organizations in your community. Volunteering with a food bank, offering a holiday meal, or helping out at a community function are all great ways to build connections

• Write letters and holiday cards to loved ones or even others in your community who might be experiencing loneliness (many seniors’ homes love holiday cards!)

• Do something for yourself to create special moments every day, such as watching a holiday movie or cooking your favourite dinner.

Reach Out if You Need Support

The holidays aren’t always “the most wonderful time of the year.” If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health this holiday season (or any time of year!), we encourage you to reach out for help and support.

• Research mental health support in your local community. Many organizations offer additional resources during the holiday months

• Consult your healthcare professional if you are feeling as though managing your mental health is becoming a little too much

• Confide to your friends and family if you feel you need a break or take some time to sit out of holiday events to take care of you.

No matter how you celebrate, we want to wish you a wonderful holiday season!

From, 

The Know Rare team