UPPER MICHIGAN, MI. – The vacation season, typically synonymous with pleasure and togetherness, will also be a supply of great stress for a lot of people. Jason Bombard, DO, Psychiatrist and Specialty Medical Director at Aspirus Behavioral Well being, addresses frequent stress elements and supplies sensible methods to boost well-being throughout this festive time.
Vacation Stressors
Earlier than packing the social calendar and vacation to-do listing with all the things that comes your approach, Dr. Bombard emphasizes the significance of setting lifelike expectations. “It’s OK to say no to sure issues,” he notes, advising people to determine boundaries and alleviate self-imposed pressures. By recognizing limitations and specializing in achievable objectives, people can cut back stress and foster a extra pleasurable vacation expertise.
Different prevalent stressors in the course of the holidays embody monetary issues and the absence of family members. “It’s a tough time for lots of people. Go straightforward on your self,” says Dr. Bombard. “Being lifelike about what you possibly can and may’t do is essential,” says Dr. Bombard.
By acknowledging these challenges, people can higher navigate the season and mitigate pointless stress.
Search Assist
“Stress is a pure response to difficult conditions, however it may possibly change into a severe concern if it considerably impacts conduct,” warns Dr. Bombard. It’s necessary to acknowledge indicators of escalating stress and search well timed assist, notably as seasonal despair typically coincides with the vacation season.
Distinguishing between regular stress and conditions requiring skilled help is a key side of Dr. Bombard’s steering. “Typically the 2 can mix to take us from what would simply be a standard tense occasion to one thing that basically does require assist,” he explains, underscoring the significance of searching for assist when wanted to make sure psychological well-being.
Different Threat Elements
Totally different teams of individuals react in a different way to vacation stress.
“Once we’re inside quite a bit in the course of the wintertime, we are inclined to not care for our well being as a lot,” says Dr. Bombard. For higher Midwesterners staying indoors throughout harsh winter circumstances, he recommends prioritizing bodily well being to keep away from worsening stress throughout this time.
People with pre-existing psychological well being circumstances may additionally think about taking a extra proactive function in managing their well-being. Dr. Bombard emphasizes, “When you have an underlying situation like despair or anxiousness, these signs can definitely be exacerbated fairly badly in the course of the holidays,” says Dr. Bombard.
By setting lifelike expectations, recognizing indicators of escalating stress and searching for assist when needed, people can navigate the vacation season with resilience and well-being. In case you or a liked one is having a tough time, don’t be afraid to ask your physician for assist. To search out somebody in your space, go to www.aspirus.org/find-a-provider.
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