The holiday season is often portrayed as cheerful and relaxing, but many people find this time of year stressful and emotionally overwhelming. Between upcoming events, family expectations, financial pressures, travel, and disrupted routines, your state of mental well-being can be affected. Even people who normally experience good mental health may find their mental states shifting under the stresses of life.
Oakwood Counseling understands these seasonal pressures well. Our mental health professionals work with individuals who face a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, social phobia, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. We also support clients dealing with various mental illnesses and mental health challenges that impact daily life.
As mental health advocates, we provide compassionate care and effective treatment tailored to your unique situation. Our mental health services help people navigate everything from family conflict to trauma triggers to overwhelming holiday stress. Whether you need long-term counseling or temporary guidance, our therapists are ready to help you strengthen your emotional well-being and create a comprehensive mental health action plan that supports your needs.
Below is a supportive, practical guide to caring for your mental health during the holiday season, along with details about how Oakwood Counseling can help you on your mental health journeys.
Why the Holidays Affect Mental Health
The holidays intensify both the highs and lows of life. While they bring joy for some, others feel pressure, grief, or emotional discomfort. Several common factors contribute to mental health issues during this time.
1. Family dynamics
Family gatherings are not always simple. A family member may be difficult to interact with, conflict may resurface, or expectations may feel overwhelming. These situations can intensify anxiety disorder or trigger symptoms of a mental health disorder.
2. Disrupted routines
Travel, events, and breaks in schedule can make it harder to maintain daily life structure. When routine disappears, physical health and mental health care habits may slip. Not getting enough sleep, irregular meals, and reduced downtime can lead to poor mental health.
3. Financial pressure
Gift giving, hosting meals, and holiday activities can strain finances. Financial stress has a negative impact on many mental health problems, increasing worry and tension for people with or without existing mental illnesses.
4. Social expectations
Social media tends to show perfect holiday homes, happy families, and beautifully curated celebrations. Comparing yourself to these images can lead to social anxiety, disappointment, or frustration. It may also worsen mental health conditions if you are already feeling vulnerable.
5. Trauma reminders
People with post-traumatic stress disorder may find that certain sights, smells, or memories intensify symptoms this time of year. Holidays often highlight grief or remind people of painful experiences, which can worsen panic attacks or other symptoms.
Signs You May Need Extra Support
Pay attention to early signs that your mental health is becoming strained. These may include:
- Feeling overwhelmed by upcoming events
- Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
- Increased irritability
- Panic attacks or growing anxiety
- Withdrawing from social well-being activities
- Difficulty concentrating on daily life
- Emotional exhaustion
- Feeling triggered by certain family interactions
- Persistent sadness or dread
If symptoms interfere with functioning or cause significant distress, seeking professional help from a healthcare professional or therapist is a valuable step.
Practical Ways to Support Your Mental Health During the Holidays
1. Maintain routines when possible
Try to keep small, grounding habits in place. This supports physical health and stabilizes mental states. Meals, hydration, movement, and enough sleep help keep your emotional balance steady.
2. Set realistic expectations
Perfection is not necessary for a meaningful holiday. Choose what is most important and release what is not. This helps reduce mental health challenges and the stresses of life.
3. Use boundaries to protect your peace
Limiting time with certain people, declining events, or stepping outside for fresh air can prevent overwhelm. Healthy boundaries promote good mental health and keep interactions manageable.
4. Limit social media usage
Reduce exposure to unrealistic comparisons. Social media rarely reflects the real experiences of daily life and can worsen mental health issues if consumed excessively.
5. Stay physically active in simple ways
Movement supports both physical health and emotional well-being. A short walk, stretching, or gentle activity can calm stress and improve mood.
6. Connect with supportive people
Quality connection matters more than quantity. Spending time with people who provide emotional support can reduce loneliness and strengthen social well-being.
7. Make rest a priority
The holidays often involve rushing from one obligation to the next. Schedule moments of quiet, rest, or self-reflection. Even small breaks can help regulate your mental states.
8. Seek professional help when needed
Mental health care is an important part of overall wellness. A therapist can help create a treatment plan that supports your goals and needs.
How We Can Support You
Oakwood Counseling provides comprehensive mental health services for individuals in the College Station area who need support during the holidays or any other time of year. Their team includes mental health professionals skilled in helping people manage:
- Anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety and social phobia
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Depression
- Trauma and grief
- Family conflict
- Stress related to daily life and responsibilities
- Mental health challenges connected to work, school, or relationships
Oakwood Counseling takes a compassionate, client-focused approach to care. You will work with a therapist who listens carefully, values your mental health journeys, and helps you build a treatment plan that fits your needs. Whether you need help with a difficult situation, emotional support, or tools to manage symptoms, their mental health advocates are here to help.
FAQ
1. Why do the holidays affect mental health so much?
The holidays disrupt normal routines, increase social expectations, and can trigger memories or emotional pressure. These factors contribute to mental health problems, especially for individuals with anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. People who normally have good mental health may still face mental health challenges this time of year.
2. How can I manage anxiety at holiday gatherings?
Plan for breaks, bring grounding tools, and set boundaries with difficult family members. If social anxiety or social phobia is a concern, a therapist can help you create coping strategies. Oakwood Counseling can guide you through a comprehensive mental health action plan to make gatherings more manageable.
3. Can trauma symptoms worsen during the holidays?
Yes. People with post-traumatic stress disorder or those recovering from trauma may face triggers at this time of year. These triggers may cause panic attacks, avoidance, or intense stress. Mental health care and effective treatment can help reduce these symptoms.
4. Should I seek professional help if symptoms only occur during the holidays?
Yes. Short-term therapy can provide tools that ease stress and prevent mental health issues from worsening. A mental health professional can help you create a supportive treatment plan and address concerns before they escalate.
5. How do I protect my physical health and mental health at the same time?
Focus on balance. Try to get enough sleep, maintain regular meals, hydrate, and move your body gently. Physical health is closely connected to emotional well-being.
6. What mental illnesses do Oakwood Counseling treat?
Oakwood Counseling supports clients with a wide range of mental illnesses, including anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions. They also help with general mental health issues connected to stress, relationships, and daily life transitions.
7. What treatment options are available at Oakwood Counseling?
They offer individual therapy for adults, teens, and children. Treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, stress management techniques, and individualized support for mental health challenges. A therapist will help you build a personalized treatment plan that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is each counseling session?
The standard session is 50 minutes, but we can adjust that for more or less time depending on your needs.
How often should I attend therapy?
Most begin with weekly sessions, but the frequency of your sessions is a decision you make in consultation with your therapist.
Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?
No. You can start therapy anytime.
Contact Oakwood Counseling – College Station & Bryan, TX
Website: https://www.oakwoodcounseling.com/
Phone: (979) 229 7636
Location:1100 Briarcrest Dr Bryan, Texas 77802
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