News Story Detail

The holidays can be a stressful time, especially as we continue to cope with challenges related to COVID-19, and even more so with the continued debate surrounding vaccines. Can my family and friends safely gather if not everyone is vaccinated? Will our differences of opinion around the vaccine further divide us this Thanksgiving?

As we become overwhelmed with pandemic fatigue, the loss of life, and social/political upheaval, here are a few suggestions to ease the holiday blues from NorthBay Health Clinical Psychologist Corinna Press and the Behavioral Health Integration Program Team:

1. Recognize what you are feeling, even if it stinks.
   Avoidance or denial of emotions actually makes them worse. Consider naming them as the first step toward accepting them. If you are brave, consider why you are feeling a certain way. Knowledge is power here. The more you know what and why you are feeling something, the more specific you can be in helping yourself cope.
   TIP: Write about it. You’ve got to name it to tame it, as they say.
2. Set realistic expectations.
   You may have certain ideas about what the holidays are supposed to be like and become disappointed when things are still wrong, or different, or off. If your traditions have to change a bit, do something new to mark the uniqueness of this time.
   TIP: Make it count by making it memorable — do something unexpected so that in the future you can say, “Hey, remember when I made purple pumpkin pie?”
3. Make one connection per day.
   Low mood and substance-related fatalities are more common during the winter holidays. Sometimes when feeling down, we experience a greater need to isolate ourselves from others. Try to resist this urge to avoid or ignore others.
   TIP: Reach out to an old friend who you haven't spoken with in a while. Talk by phone, text, or video. Just do one a day and plan for recovery time afterward, but still do it. If you can’t think of anyone to reach out to, consider joining an online activity group, a support group, or talk with your primary care provider about a referral to counseling.

You can read Dr. Press' full profile here and phone to make an appointment at (707) 646-5500.