The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and connection. But for many, December also brings stress, pressure, and emotional challenges. Between the demands of gift-giving, social gatherings, and end-of-year responsibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. As a licensed psychologist, I’m here to offer insights and strategies for navigating this season with balance and intention.
For most people, supporting someone struggling with depression doesn’t come super naturally. This can be because of a variety of factors including lack of experience or knowledge about handling depression, discomfort with experiencing their own negative emotions, or simply being unaware that they can truly make a difference in the experience of the person they love.
With the onset of Valentine’s Day, it is a great month to talk about healthy relationships! In the intricate dance of human connections, the concept of boundaries plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our mental well-being. Whether in romantic partnerships, friendships, or family ties, establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries is an essential component of fostering positive relationships. So, let’s explore the significance of healthy boundaries in contributing to mental health, examining the ways they empower individuals, enhance communication, and promote overall well-being.
The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, warmth, and celebration. However, it's essential to acknowledge that not everyone experiences this time of year in the same way. For some individuals, the holidays can bring about a range of emotions, from loneliness and sadness to heightened stress and anxiety. Therefore, we need to recognize the reality that holidays are not always happy for everyone.
Let’s take note of a particular population that has been facing a unique set of challenges over the past few years- our teens. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a loss of socialization skills, an increase in stress, and a disruption in the routines and norms of our teens’ lives. In fact, there is no better time to raise awareness of the importance of addressing the mental health needs of teenagers as the ramifications of their challenges are now being seen more readily both at school and at home.
