Holidays can be a time of joy and celebration, but they can also bring about stress and anxiety. For teenagers and adolescents, the holiday season can sometimes feel overwhelming. With family gatherings, school breaks, and expectations of gift-giving, it’s easy to feel stressed and anxious. Besides these common strains on mental health, many teens and adolescents also battle seasonal affective disorder (SAD)—a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons. In many cases, professional mental health treatment may be required to teach your child how to cope with holiday stress and anxiety.
Imagine Nampa understands teen and adolescent mental health. We offer comprehensive outpatient anxiety treatment programs. Our experienced professionals can provide tips on coping with holiday stress and anxiety. Call 888.503.4604 today to learn more or to get started with treatment.
How to Cope with Holiday Stress and Anxiety
If your teen or adolescent feels overwhelmed during the holiday season, know they are not alone. Here are some tips on coping with holiday stress and anxiety:
- Practice self-care – It’s essential to take care of yourself during the holiday season. Ensure you get enough rest, eat well, and take time for activities that bring you joy. This can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
- Set realistic expectations – The holidays can be filled with pressures to buy the perfect gifts or have the perfect family gathering. Remember that it’s okay if things don’t go exactly as planned. Try to set realistic expectations for yourself and others.
- Prioritize your time – With so many events and commitments during the holidays, it’s crucial to prioritize your time. Don’t be afraid to say no to invitations or take breaks when you need them.
- Stay connected with friends and supportive people – Make sure to stay connected with friends and people who support you. They can provide a source of comfort and help alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety.
- Take breaks – If you start to feel overwhelmed, take breaks throughout the day. Use this time to do something relaxing or to practice mindfulness techniques.
- Stay active – Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety during the holiday season. Try to incorporate physical activity into your day, even if it’s just a short walk outside.
- Practice mindfulness – Mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Take a few moments each day to focus on your breath or do a body scan to check in with yourself.
Remember, it’s normal to feel stressed or anxious during the holidays, but taking care of yourself and using these coping strategies can help make the season more enjoyable. So, don’t let the pressures of the holiday season get you down—use these tips to cope with holiday stress and anxiety.
The Role of Professional Outpatient Treatment
Addressing teen and adolescent mental health isn’t a task to be taken lightly. It requires professional intervention and care, and for Idaho residents, Imagine Nampa provides outpatient treatment programs that can address many common mental health concerns.
Imagine Nampa, a branch of the Northpoint brand, specializes in offering mental health treatment specifically for teens and adolescents aged 12-17. Our outpatient programs and therapies include:
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP) with a step-down to an intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
While our focus is primarily on mental health, we also consider substance use disorder (SUD) cases on an individual basis—the stress and anxiety of the holidays can often trigger relapses in those in recovery. We aim to provide early intervention in a setting that is non-judgmental, supportive, and conducive to healing and growth.
Contact Imagine Nampa for Coping with Holiday Stress
At Imagine Nampa, we believe in fostering a strong and supportive community for our teens. We understand the struggles they face and are committed to helping them navigate these challenges with compassion and care. Coping with holiday stress and anxiety can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be a solitary journey. With professional help and early intervention, teenagers and adolescents can learn how to manage their stress effectively and enjoy the holiday season.
Contact us at Imagine Nampa today at 888.503.4604 or online. Together, we can make a positive difference in your mental health journey.