This is a sponsored post by BetterHelp, an online counseling service.
Well, it’s here! The busiest time of year: December….and Christmas. Whether you celebrate or not, it does seem to be busier for everyone this month- whether it’s at work or at home. Parties abound, schedules get packed, and even the simplest errand is more hectic as shoppers triple.
I find that even grocery shopping can be more overwhelming in December. It becomes less of an errand and more of an experience. Fighting to get past
people shopping for cookies, gathering for holiday potlucks, or planning their family dinner can make my anxiety peak. Especially when all I want is to get my salad ingredients and get home!
The news covers how stress affects us and how many people suffer the “holiday blues” – and it’s no wonder. Not only is there more pressure to spend money and more overall stress, it’s also the time of year that we start to reminisce. Almost a whole year has gone, and we regret what hasn’t been done. If we’re not regretting, we are missing- missing people and pets that have passed away.
The holiday is the time of year that people gather with loved ones, but if
you have gone through a difficult loss or change of life (divorce, for
example), this time of year can be particularly hard. I know that I really find myself missing my grandparents during the holidays.
It could be a general sense of malaise that has you down- seemingly for no reason. If you find yourself feeling defeated rather than excited, you may need to talk to someone. If you’re having trouble getting out of bed, you may need to talk to someone. If you cry over your to-do list (perhaps literally), you may need to talk to someone.
I’m a very big believer that it is strength and not weakness that leads us
to therapy or online counseling. It takes a bit of bravery to admit that you
want to talk it out and get some help. Believe me, it is such a relief to get
it out of your head and hear a neutral party say they get it or can help!
Big life shifts often happen during the holiday season. For some reason,
when we are busy we tend to pile more on in a futile “all-or-nothing” gesture.
Personally, I have moved, broken up with my partner or left the country in December. And I’m not the only one! When I share my story with people, I find a lot of us make the same crazy schedule for ourselves.
When I broke up with my boyfriend, I had been miserable in the previous months. My mind just went around in circles about the decision. There was a lot of gaslighting going on, so I was very confused about my beliefs and what was true about the situation or what was a lie told to keep me there. I needed help.
Even though it was hard, I chose to speak to a counselor who helped me
navigate my own feelings. She never led me to a conclusion but did help me make sense of my own feelings and thoughts. In the midst of the holiday bustle, extra work hours, and all the holiday stuff, it was welcome guidance. Sometimes the heart can’t wait until things settle down and I needed a change during Christmas.
Reflecting on the past year, I couldn’t face the holidays in the situation I found myself.
My counselor guided me to the light at the end of the tunnel. My life went
from dreary and dark to light and full of possibilities. Not right away! But with time.
So, take courage, my dear friends, and seek counseling if you need it. Be brave.
How Self-Care Puts You On Top Mentally.
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