While everyone is “decking the halls with boughs of holly”, what if this year it doesn’t feel like the season to be jolly? What if grief, depression, loneliness, or something else makes this season especially difficult? We talked to a professional to get some tips especially designed to help with these issues during the holiday season. We hope what Matt Lawson of Chicago Compass Counseling has to say will help - whether it’s something unique to this year or if the Christmas season is just triggering in general.
In this bonus mini episode, we share portions on our chat last year with Matt Lawson as well as some of our own struggles. Most of us will experience the holiday blues to one degree or another during our lifetime, for some it happens every year. There are a variety of reasons for it: being away from family, grieving the loss of a loved one or ending a relationship are some of them. For others the holidays can trigger anxiety or sadness because of something that happened in the past. Some of us feel we may crumble under the perceived pressure to make the holidays perfect for friends or family. Whatever the case, it can feel worse when everyone else seems joyful.
Take a few minutes to listen to what Matt has to say.
Even if you don’t struggle with holiday blues yourself, it’s good to be aware of those who do. Let’s help them feel seen and heard. More importantly, let’s be there to support each other.
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EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
MENTAL HEALTH RESCOURCES
Chicago Compass Counseling has an offering of YouTube videos, blogs and other resources addressing mental health including depression, anxiety, video game and internet addiction, alcohol moderation/addiction, racial trauma and more. It's also where you can contact Matt.
Connect2Affect allows you to discover if you or a loved one is at risk for social isolation - not just over the holidays, but all year round.
TalkSpace is the online counseling service where Matt and many other qualified therapists can help you from the comfort of your home.
If you feel you are is in danger of taking your own life, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at +1 (800) 273-8255. Or click HERE for more resources