The end of the year often comes with a mix of emotions. The holiday season has the potential to be sensory overload for many, which can add stress to anyone. And for someone trying to manage a mood disorder, it presents even more of a challenge to maintain wellness. This season, we want to be with you while you navigate the holidays.
Feel connected to your peers
It was the spirit of peers that sparked DBSA’s community into existence. For over 37 years, we’ve understood that connection with others who have similar experiences can be a powerful path to wellness. Today DBSA continues to provide welcoming and supportive spaces to participants. In fact, through our continuous polls of support group participants, we have found that more than 80 percent of DBSA Online Support Group attendees report that they are more hopeful after attending a DBSA meeting. Join us as we share hope and inspiration through peer stories and personal messages of hope.
Reflect on 2022
Wherever you find yourself this holiday season, we hope you can find inspiration from DBSA Wellness tools and resources. The DBSA Wellness Wheel can be particularly useful in times of transition. We’ve put together some tips and journal prompts for you to consider this holiday season and into the new year.
Take charge of the holidays
“Our culture is infused with the expectation that the holidays should be times of good cheer. But the holiday season is difficult for many of us and though we may feel joy, we have a wide range of thoughts and emotions. We can feel disappointed, hurt, and lonely. You’re allowed to feel what you feel. Being true to yourself allows you to opt out of situations that are unhealthy for you.”
– John Budin, MD
If the holidays are something you dread, take a proactive approach before the stress sets in. Learn to identify triggers, like financial pressures and social demands, so you can manage them before they become a problem. With some planning and positive thinking, you can breeze through the holiday season and be ready for the new year.
