Do you have plans for the Festive Season? Do you have plans for New Year’s Eve? NOW is a great time to work out who you will see and where you will be. We are social creatures- as seen by the Santa mob below. If you have a tendency to isolate and not take care of your needs during the holidays, what can you do differently this year? If you usually get overwhelmed and burn out during the holiday seasons, what can you do to voice your absolute right to say NO to what you can’t or simply don’t want to do? My goal is for all of us to glide through the next few months with ease.
Julie
Am seeing people in chunks of 2 or 3 hrs (dinners. parties etc.) rather than 2/3 days with my family abroad.
I can enjoy evenings out at Xmas concerts etc. but come home to my cats and my solitude.
I am still seeing a friend on Dec 24 and lunch at another friend’s but intend to watch Xmas TV & rest.
No ideas for New Year yet but I prefer staying home to spending a fortune for a 12-course meal and disco with strangers who are drunk & possibly violent. I MIGHT go to the theatre… And what about YOU??
Hi Shirley,
I have to plan my holiday dinners very carefully! I limit my time with people who are stressful and if there is any type of arguing or stress, I go in another room and read! I also make sure I’m not the cause of the stress. I didn’t go anywhere for Thanksgiving this year due to a back injury, and I have to say I didn’t miss it! I did miss seeing my nephew David, but I get to see him most days, so it was fine. I love the idea of doing what you want on Christmas- or any holiday you celebrate. Holidays can be fantastic- but if they are pushed on us, it can be too stressful. Thanks for the ideas! julie
After recovering from a short but rough period after Thanksgiving, I am once more at peace and taking care of me. The relative of a dear friend is going through a stressful time and chose to unload her anger in front of me. Not good for me at all – symptoms of PTSD hit from out of the blue. The same relative is planning to host Christmas dinner. I’ve told my friend to count me out. I do not deal well with drama and would prefer to live life with as little drama as possible.
Although my grown children will be away for Christmas, I’m actually looking forward to a more relaxed schedule. I’ve written a few holiday notes and purchased just a few, inexpensive gifts for a few people, as money is very tight. Our family celebrates the Advent season with gusto and Christmas is 12 days long, so there’s never a sense of “hurry up” for the BIG DAY. We’ve decorated Christmas cookies on the 25th or 26th, enjoyed lots of family togetherness. The outlook on the season really makes it easier for me!
Hello Sandra! I love your positive outlook and especially admire how you take action to stay well. I always learn from you. Julie
I have a 5 year old and am struggling with a very strong depression right now. I just want to skip the holidays entirely. However, this would be very unfair to my child. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
Hello Beth,
Thank you for your heartfelt post. I applaud you for recognizing you are struggling and how that can influence your child. I would like to put you in touch with Rebecca Moore of Mothering Through Bipolar. Here is the link to the website: https://www.motheringthroughbipolar.org/home.html. I will also email you her contact information. When you reach out to her, please ask her about the recent newsletter with tips for dealing with stress during the holidays. If anyone else would like to reach out to Rebecca, email me and I will give you her contact information as well. Julie
Thank you very much for the information provided. I have checked out the website and it looks helpful. I am currently reading your book, Get it Done When You’re Depressed. My current diagnosis is Major Depressive Disorder along w/some anxiety disorders (OCD, GAD, PTSD). I feel like quite the mess right now and am trying to function at a higher level especially for my child’s well being. Although, I do not have bipolar disorder much of this information is helpful. Thank you for your time and to anyone with any additional words of support or guidance.
Thanks so much for your kind words. Except for mania, bipolar and depression have the same symptoms, so it makes sense that anyone with depression can get help from bipolar disorder resources. I want to offer you great praise for being the mother I know your child will be very proud of. Julie
Thanks for kind words during a very difficult period. Yes, makes sense how similar the disorders can be to one another and how we can share resources. Also, I am reminded to never underestimate the power of kindness, compassion, and encouragement on our difficult days. Wishing everyone peace and more good days than hard ones!