Opinion: OK to seek help if holiday season is not too merry

The holidays are just about perfect on the Hallmark Channel. In real life, they can be stressful.

We all want that Charlie Brown Christmas, but most of us can get a little grinchy sometimes.

And memories of loved ones not around the family tables during the holidays can send us spiraling into depression, sometimes even before the presents are opened.

For those of us not starring in a holiday Disney movie, the New Mexico Department of Health offers suggestions for facing the gloomy days of winter that can challenge all of us.

“Holidays are stressful for almost all of us, so it’s important for us to acknowledge how we feel and get the help we need, before the additional stress creates further mental or medical suffering,” said Acting Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. David R. Scrase, in a DOH news release.

“There are lots of great, simple ways to reduce stress this time of year.”

Healthcare professionals tell us when we are stressed, we know it. Among symptoms listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are tension, irritability, fear, anxiety, anger, nightmares, crying, headaches, body aches and more.

“Holiday stress is reported more often by women because women tend to take on the greater burden of holiday tasks,” according to the DOH news release. “Most importantly … you are not alone.”

Some tips, as suggested by the health agency:

• Acknowledge your feelings. It is OK to feel stressed, but keeping it inside often leads to more stress.

• Find support. When stressed, it is important to have an outlet for your feelings whether that be a partner, friend, neighbor, or faith member.

• Stick to an exercise routine. The holidays are busy, but it is still important to follow a schedule and exercise is a great stress-reliever.

• Avoid drugs or alcohol. Many times, this will only add stress to your holidays. And if you are drinking alcohol this holiday season, make sure you have a designated driver.

• Give back to your community. Volunteering can reduce stress and make great connections.

Resources that individuals struggling with mental health can access include:

• Call 988: The 24/7 lifeline for emotional, mental, or substance misuse support.

• The New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (1-855-662-7474) provides support 24/7.

• The Agora Crisis Center has a help line (1-855-505-4505) and offers an online chat option from 6 a.m. to midnight.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522.

• National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453.

• National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Faith-based leaders and your primary physician can also offer suggestions for improving your mental health.

We all want a merry Christmas and happy new year. It’s OK to ask for help if you’re not feeling it.

— David Stevens

Publisher