Beat stress these holidays
Joburg – Be cautious during the next few weeks and keep these tips close at hand.
People often find Christmas a stressful time and they can become quite depressed.
Clinical psychologist, Dr Colinda Linde explained that stress occurs when our perceived demands are greater than our coping skills and resources.
Linde, who specialises in stress management, said it’s a feeling that threatens our wellbeing. She said there are different types of stress, citing chronic stress, perennial stress like during the Christmas rush, as well as daily hassles stress.
She said the holidays, luckily, some would say, only come once a year and last for a few short weeks. She, however, said you have to take the first step and be cautious during the next few weeks and keep these tips close at hand.
Follow even just a few of them, and you’ll find yourself having a happier Christmas, she said.
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Here are five ways to help you avoid the holiday blues:
- Be realistic and take the ideal Christmas out of your head
- Don’t be afraid to seek professional help
- Take a time out from family arguments and unhappy relationships
- Give yourself a break
- Connect with your significant other on the things that matter most.
“Christmas should be the time of year that we all look forward to. A time to relax and unwind at home with family, good food and good cheer,” said Linde.
“Too many people have a perfect version of what the holidays should be like, instead of what they really are. By setting realistic expectations, you are less likely to land up being disappointed.”
If the holiday blues are constant and you think there may be a bigger issue, you should seek the help of a psychologist, psychiatrist or call The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag).
Linde said, occasionally, the holidays are when we feel the most alone adding that talking to someone can be beneficial, whether it be a counsellor, family member, friends or even a church member that you can open up to.
Sadag is able to provide telephonic support, counselling and referrals to appropriate mental health care workers.
Details: Sadag 0800 21 22 23; office@anxiety.org.za; 011 234 4837.
