If you are struggling with a depressive disorder and you are in the process of trying to recover, finding ways to cope with triggers during the holidays is an absolute necessity. Many people find that the holiday season tends to exacerbate the symptoms of their depression. Ironically, while it is considered the most wonderful time of the year, it can also trigger mental health conditions. Thankfully, a depression treatment program in Florida can ply you with the holiday survival skills you need to make this holiday season brighter than ever.
At Harmony Hills, we understand that when the holidays roll around in Florida, staying sober seems to become harder to accomplish for those trying to manage a depressive disorder. Self-medication is a common response when you are overwhelmed by the heaviness of depression symptoms. Still, with the support of our depression treatment program in Florida, Harmony Hills can help you stay happier and sober during the holidays. Reach out to us today at 855.494.0357 to start cultivating your holiday coping skills.
Make Sure to Prioritize Importance
During the holiday season, people tend to have plenty of activities to engage in. For the sake of your mental health, it is important to realize that overbooking your schedule could easily lead to overwhelm. This can increase your stress and anxiety levels, which can exacerbate depression. People struggling with depressive disorders find it much easier to give in to substance use when they feel their lives are out of control and need an escape. Make sure to prioritize your activities so you do not take on too much during the holidays. Your mental health will thank you.
Take Time for Pampering
Do not focus entirely on holiday affairs, but put your holiday survival skills into motion with the help of a mental health treatment program. Take time to care for yourself as well. Pampering yourself helps you to focus on your health and your dedication to staying sober during holidays as they take place. Some pampering ideas to try this holiday season:
- Book a date with a friend to take in a movie at your leisure.
- Schedule a massage at a spa to relax.
- Stay home for an entire day and enjoy the solitude and peacefulness without holiday excursions to attend.
Since things can get hectic during the holidays, one of the top holiday coping skills is to take time out to relax. Try one of the above suggestions or develop some activities that soothe you, and make it a point to use them throughout the season.
Know When to Say No
You need extreme holiday survival skills when it comes to addressing inquiries from others during the holidays. Many people tend to have a hard time telling people no, but it is vital to put your foot down when overwhelmed. If you genuinely wish to help with a holiday task, say yes if it makes you happy. However, if you do not want to help with something, you have the right to decline. This is necessary so you remain free of anxiety when trying your best to recover from mental health conditions and substance use.
Recognize Triggers and Learn to Cope with Them
You are likely to run into instances where triggers cause you to feel like you want to use drugs or alcohol to alleviate symptoms of depression. Knowing what triggers cause you distress will greatly help you to diminish the possibility of a relapse. Jot down a few times that you have felt like using drugs or alcohol in the past. Perhaps you always felt like using a substance when you were worried about money or spending time with a particular family member. Try to avoid situations that trigger you, if possible, so your focus remains on what you feel is most important at this time.
Seek Professional Help for Depression Treatment
One of the best holiday survival skills you have available to you when trying to support your mental health is assistance from others who understand. Enlisting help from a rehabilitation service is an option. At Harmony Hills, we recognize the importance of managing depression during holidays and do our best to keep our clients from turning to drugs or alcohol. Some of our treatment options include:
- Medical detox program
- Mental health treatment therapies
- Relapse prevention therapy program
- 12-step therapy program
- Individual therapy program
- Group therapy sessions
Learn Holiday Coping Skills for Depression at Harmony Hills
If you are trying to boost your holiday survival skills, contact us to learn more about the many services to those struggling with depressive disorders. Call our main office today at 855.494.0357 to go over our programs and treatment plans. We look forward to helping you remain balanced and sober for the holidays and beyond.
