Shield-Bearer Counseling Centers Offers Expert Tips for Managing Holiday Stress, Grief, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
The holiday season is often portrayed as a time for celebration, joy, and family gatherings, but for many, it can also bring added emotional challenges. The pressures of family dynamics, financial stress, loneliness, grief, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can make the holidays difficult to navigate. Shield-Bearer Counseling Centers, a leading mental health service provider in Northwest Houston, shares their expert perspective on managing holiday stress and mental health challenges during this time of year.
Understanding Holiday Stress and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
According to Shield-Bearer, many people experience stress and anxiety during the holiday season, but for some, these feelings can be intensified by underlying mental health conditions such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression that typically worsens in the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter. Symptoms of SAD can include persistent sadness, social withdrawal, oversleeping, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating.
Thad Cardine, Executive Director of Shield-Bearer Counseling Centers, explains, "The holidays can be especially difficult for individuals already grappling with Seasonal Affective Disorder. The darker days and colder weather can exacerbate feelings of sadness and isolation. For those already struggling with mental health, the holiday season often adds another layer of emotional strain due to high expectations, family gatherings, and grief.”
For those facing grief, the holidays can be a particularly challenging time. The loss of a loved one or significant life change often brings about feelings of sadness that can feel even more pronounced when surrounded by the societal emphasis on joy and togetherness.
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Shield-Bearer’s Tips for Coping with Holiday Stress and SAD
Shield-Bearer Counseling has offered a range of strategies that can help individuals navigate the emotional challenges of the season. According to the team at Shield-Bearer, recognizing and addressing one’s emotions is key to managing holiday stress and grief.
Thad Cardine shares, "Our advice is simple: be kind to yourself this holiday season. It’s okay not to feel festive or excited about the holidays. Giving yourself permission to feel however you feel is one of the first steps to healing and managing your emotions in a healthy way."
Here are some of the practical tips shared by Shield-Bearer to help cope with holiday-related stress, grief, and SAD:
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Acknowledge Your Feelings
It’s important to accept your emotional state rather than suppress it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, sad, or even disconnected from the holiday spirit, Shield-Bearer encourages you to be open with yourself and others about how you’re feeling. -
Set Realistic Expectations
Don’t overcommit to social events or obligations. Shield-Bearer suggests that individuals take time to assess their capacity for socializing, spending money, and meeting expectations. It’s essential to set boundaries and prioritize emotional well-being. -
Get Light Exposure and Stay Active
For those with SAD, Shield-Bearer recommends light therapy as a way to combat the lack of sunlight. Sitting by a light therapy box for about 30 minutes each morning or getting outside during daylight hours can help improve mood. In addition, physical activity—whether it’s a walk around the block or a quick workout—can also boost mood and reduce stress. -
Practice Self-Care and Prioritize Rest
Caring for your body is essential for emotional well-being. Shield-Bearer recommends sticking to healthy habits like regular sleep, exercise, and eating nutritious foods. Lack of sleep, for example, can worsen symptoms of depression, so it’s important to maintain a healthy sleep schedule. -
Reach Out for Support
Shield-Bearer emphasizes the importance of social connection during the holiday season. Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend, joining a support group, or seeking professional counseling, reaching out to others can ease feelings of loneliness and isolation. -
Grieve in Your Own Way
If you are mourning a loss, Shield-Bearer stresses the importance of allowing yourself the time and space to grieve. Creating new traditions or rituals to honor loved ones can provide comfort during a difficult time. -
Seek Professional Help if Needed
If feelings of sadness, anxiety, or grief become overwhelming, Shield-Bearer encourages individuals to seek professional help. Counseling can provide guidance, emotional support, and tools to cope with difficult emotions, especially if they’re preventing you from functioning day-to-day.
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Shield-Bearer’s Commitment to Support
Since 2005, Shield-Bearer Counseling has been a trusted resource for individuals, families, and communities in Northwest Houston. The center specializes in marriage and family counseling, trauma recovery, and grief support, providing a wide range of services to help individuals heal and grow. Whether through one-on-one therapy, support groups, or intensive counseling programs, Shield-Bearer is committed to helping people manage life’s challenges—especially during the emotional strain of the holidays.
For more information or to schedule a counseling session, contact Shield-Bearer Counseling Centers at 281-894-7222 or visit www.shieldbearer.org.
By recognizing the signs of stress, anxiety, and depression, and applying effective coping strategies, individuals can move through the holiday season with greater emotional resilience. Shield-Bearer’s expert guidance offers hope and support for those navigating these challenging times. You don’t have to face the holidays alone—help is available.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
