Stress, Depression, Addiction and the Holidays – Tips for Coping

Despite the positive connotations we usually attach to the Christmas season, many individuals really suffer greatly from sorrow, isolation, addiction issues, and stress at this time. Additionally, research shows that 65% of those who suffer from mental illness report that the holidays exacerbate their symptoms. Sadness, solitude, and low self-esteem are symptoms of the holiday blues. On top of that, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a kind of depression that primarily manifests in the winter, may occur simultaneously. As the holiday season is just around the corner, we have prepared some useful tips for coping with stress, depression, addiction, and the holidays.

How Typical Is Holiday Depression?

Digital marketers and Hollywood would have you believe otherwise, but seasonal depression is more common than you may think. However, statistics may not always be reliable. Initially, individuals may feel like admitting they are suffering from things like sadness and isolation at this time. This is especially the case if they are under social or family pressure to “enjoy the season.”

Anxiety and sadness are very common throughout the Christmas season. If you feel down during this time, know that you’re not alone. The most wonderful time of the year is more often than not the busiest time for Boyton Beach detox treatment center. And that speaks volumes.

• More than 280 million individuals worldwide suffer from depression. This represents around 5% of the adult population.
• It’s estimated that up to 14% of American adults suffer from “winter blues,” which may or may not peak during the winter holidays.
• When it comes to the holidays, “lack of time” and “lack of money” are the top two sources of stress for 72% of Americans. Furthermore, more than half are troubled by the expectation to either give or receive presents.

Most common holiday blues triggers

Most cases of holiday-related stress and sadness may be traced back to six primary causes. If you are aware of these potential triggers, you will be better prepared to handle them. The following are some of the most common causes of anxiety and melancholy over the holidays:

1. Relationship issues

Trouble, disagreement, or tension in relationships may arise at any moment. However, holiday stress levels tend to rise. When members of the same family are forced to spend many days together, tensions are certain to rise. There are too many competing priorities to avoid friction between them. On the other side, the holidays may be a particularly difficult time if you have to spend them alone. This brings us to our next point.

2. Loneliness

In the United States, 43% of the population does not have a partner and 27% of the population lives alone. If you’re lonely at a time when most others are celebrating with their loved ones, it might hurt a lot. One in five singles is over 65, a demographic with unique challenges related to declining health, mobility, and independence.

3. Finances

Money problems, like personal relationships, may be a source of anxiety all year long. Spending more than you have available on holiday-related expenses like presents, travel, food, and entertainment may add pressure to an already stressful time of year.

4. Physical stress

The Christmas season is a busy time that might leave you exhausted from all of your preparations and social obligations. It’s a vicious cycle: the wearier you feel, the more stressed you’ll feel. Chores and errands may take precedence over exercise and sleep, which are effective ways to combat stress and exhaustion. Overwork, stress, inactivity, and excessive eating and drinking are all contributors to being sick over the holidays.

5. Addiction

Holidays are huge triggers for those with alcohol and drug addictions. Stress, depression, addiction, and the holidays all combined can put you in a program like meth rehab Florida in no time. Unless you take action immediately. If you have an addict in your home, whether they are an addict in denial or a recovering addict, do your best to make them feel safe and loved during the holiday season.

6. A prior history of emotional instability

Anyone may struggle over the holidays. Some individuals already struggle with mental health issues including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and personality disorders and may find the holiday season particularly trying. Dealing with stress, depression, addiction, and the holidays on top of it, is not easy at all. Those who have struggled in the past with drug abuse or eating disorders may also find it difficult to maintain their sobriety throughout the hectic holiday season. People that have developed Adderall addiction while trying to deal with their depression, might want to consider signing up for Adderall addiction rehab Boyton before the situation goes out of control.

Tips for Coping with Stress, Depression, Addiction, and the Holidays blues

Stress makes it difficult to take a step back and collect one’s thoughts. If the holidays have always been difficult for you emotionally, it’s extremely important to take measures to ensure that you don’t feel overwhelmed this year.

1. Don’t suppress your feelings

To those who are experiencing the loss of a loved one or who are separated from their loved ones for various reasons, please know that your feelings of sorrow and grief are completely normal and healthy responses. It’s healthy to acknowledge and express your emotions. Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you have to fake a smile.

2. Get in touch with someone

If you’re feeling lonely or you’re completely alone during this time, it could help to join a group or attend a religious or social gathering. It’s possible that a sizable percentage of them have websites, online communities, social media pages, or even entirely digital gatherings. With their help, you’ll have someone to lean on and share your experiences with. Talking to a trusted friend or family member about the problems you’re having over the holidays may be a big help. Send a message, give a call, or start a video chat to get in touch.

You may boost your mood and make new acquaintances by volunteering your time to assist others. The gift of giving will make you feel a lot better. Drop over dinner and dessert at a friend’s house or your neighbor’s. Or donate some

3. Put your disagreements aside

Despite their flaws, you should try to embrace your loved ones just the way they are. Now is not the moment to air your problems; do so after the holidays. And remember to have compassion for others around you if they express their own anguish or anger when things go wrong. It’s likely that they, too, are experiencing the negative impacts of seasonal pressures and blues.

4. Make and stick to a plan!

Make a budget for holiday spending before you go out and buy presents and meals. Keep to your financial plan. Don’t think that showering someone with presents would make them happy. Consider these other options:

• Make a philanthropic contribution in someone else’s honor.
• Donate handmade items.
• Organize a holiday gift exchange with your loved ones.

5. It’s okay to say no

When you give in when you should refuse, you set yourself up for feelings of resentment and exhaustion. It’s okay to say “no” to certain events or activities; your friends and coworkers will understand. If you can’t refuse your boss’s request for overtime, see if there’s anything else you can cancel to make up the time. 

6. Try not to indulge in too much food or alcohol

Avoid having the holidays turn into chaos. Stress and guilt are only going to increase when you overindulge. Make use of these tips:

• Eat a balanced snack before a holiday dinner to prevent bingeing on sugary foods, fatty foods, and alcoholic beverages.
• Maintain a nutritious diet.
• Don’t skimp on your shut-eye.
• Put some exercise into your everyday regimen.
• Try some yoga, meditation, or deep breathing techniques.
• Know that the social media culture may cause you to stress, and regulate your exposure to it as you see appropriate.
• Try your best not to subject yourself to excessive levels of nicotine, alcohol, or drugs. Especially if you’ve been to some residential drug treatment Florida. You’ll be risking going into relapse.

7. Get some air in your lungs.

Create some space in your schedule for you. Do something that brings you delight. Relax by yourself for a while. It’s possible that you’ll feel revitalized and ready to take on your responsibilities after spending only 15 minutes alone, free of interruptions. Find anything that helps you relax by taking your mind off things, slowing your breathing, and calming your anxious thoughts.

8. If you need assistance, go see a doctor.

You may be unable to shake feelings of chronic sadness or anxiety, physical discomfort, insomnia, irritability, hopelessness, and an inability to do even the most basic of tasks. Have a conversation with your doctor or a mental health professional if these emotions persist. Please, don’t take any prescription drugs on your own. Or you risk having to go through oxycodone rehab and similar treatments.

What Insurance Program is Best for Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation?

In the United States, just a fraction of those with alcohol and drug use problems obtains treatment. Multiple obstacles might hinder or prohibit someone from seeking drug abuse treatment services. One of the most prevalent impediments to therapy is cost. Drug rehabilitation is a long-term treatment program that often entails inpatient care. However, many insurance policies include coverage for both alcohol and drug treatment.

Spending on mental health and drug use disorder treatment is predicted to reach over $280 billion by 2023, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This is a huge jump in costs associated with these problems. The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) has had a big impact on these totals.

• FMLA:

In 1993, the government of the United States passed the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The fundamental objective of the law was to establish a balance between the needs of the modern workplace and those of individuals and families. So, is drug rehab covered under FMLA? The answer is yes.

• Tricare:

This is a large health insurance program for active-duty military personnel and their families. These plans provide a comprehensive array of medical services, including mental health care. But, does Tricare cover alcohol rehabilitation? Yes, indeed. This program addresses almost two hundred medical disorders.

• Aetna:

They provide several plans for individuals and families. It offers very robust support for mental health care. However, if you ask does Aetna covers drug rehab, the answer is yes. In recent years, it has committed enormous resources to it.

• Aflac:

This insurance provider is famous for providing adaptable solutions to meet the demands of a diverse clientele. Included is coverage for medication and mental health treatment programs for those with depression and other problems. But, does Aflac cover alcohol rehab, The answer to this question is complex since it depends on your own circumstances.

• Cigna:

Does Cigna cover drug rehab? Cigna provides both drug and alcohol misuse recovery treatments.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield:

This organization provides cheap complete coverage for a vast array of health services. Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover alcohol rehab? It provides full health coverage. These include coverage for drug addiction treatment, depression therapy, and other conditions.

• Humana:

Yet another provider of inexpensive and adaptable health coverage for individuals and families. Humana pays all related medical expenditures for mental health concerns. Nonetheless, the issue remains: Does Humana cover alcohol rehab? The answer is yes. It is included in mental health care.

What Can Family and Friends Do to Help Someone Who Is Depressed During the Holidays?

The best thing you can do if you think a loved one is depressed is to listen to them and acknowledge their emotions. Stress depression addiction and the holidays all combined are a really bad mixture. Telling them to “just snap out of it” will only make things worse. Cliches like “But it’s the holidays” or “aren’t you pleased we can all simply be together?” aren’t helpful in making light of the situation. Find out how you can help them out right now. If they are unsure, assure them that you are a willing ear and that they may confide in you about anything. If they make a particular request, think about the best way to fulfill it. Don’t compete with their emotions by showing that you care more.

Don’t bring up your own struggles with depression, even if you can sympathize. Instead, give your attention to learning as much as possible about their situation. Finally, urging them to get assistance may be useful. Sometimes folks just need help figuring out what to do next. Ask your loved one whether they would be receptive to you referring them to a therapist if they are having a hard time dealing with stress, depression, addiction, and the holidays.