The holidays bring festive gatherings and seasonal joy for some, but for many, they also underscore feelings of loss, stress, and isolation. Sophie Simon, a licensed professional clinical counselor at Denver’s Ember Psychotherapy Collective, explains how this time of year can stir complex emotions and offers mental health strategies for navigating the season’s unique challenges.
Whether you’re dealing with stress from visiting relatives, navigating tense family dynamics, or struggling with holiday burnout, Simon highlights establishing personal boundaries as one of the most effective tools during this time of year. “Setting boundaries can be difficult but extremely rewarding,” Simon says. “Sharing your expectations early helps keep everyone on the same page, and framing your boundaries positively can prevent others from feeling offended. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to say no when necessary—prioritizing your well-being is key to making the most of the holiday season.” She also suggests preparing exit strategies for when you feel overwhelmed that are more elegant than the Irish goodbye: “If you are anticipating a challenging gathering, excusing yourself to take a quick break or changing the topic of conversation can help you feel more relaxed and help you enjoy your time with the other guests.”
Setting boundaries is also essential for combating the holiday blues, which often arise from idealized images of perfect celebrations and endless holiday cheer. Grief, loneliness, and financial stress can all dampen our holiday spirit, particularly when we compare our experiences to the seemingly flawless lives showcased on social media. Simon emphasizes that creating boundaries around social media use, as well as managing spending habits, can help us detach from these unrealistic expectations and cultivate a more authentic, personalized vision of what the holidays mean to us.
Lastly, she notes that to maintain mental health, you also need to be physically well: “Regular exercise, enough sleep, and a balanced diet can not only improve our mood but also enhance mental clarity, making it easier to enjoy the holiday season and connect with loved ones.” Most importantly, additional mental health resources are available, including the suicide and crisis lifeline (dial 988), as well as therapeutic services that can provide support during challenging times. Never hesitate to reach out for guidance and assistance.
