Mental Health and Christmas
Christmas is a time of joy and celebration. It’s an opportunity to spend time with loved ones, give thanks for what we have, and remember what matters most. On the other hand, Christmas can also bring up some painful memories for people who have been through difficult times in their lives or with their families.
If you are a part of a broken family or are estranged from your family, Christmas time can be a serious trigger. While the advertising and “festive cheer” that seems to propagate the general public during the month of December can’t be avoided, focusing our time and energy on making a new meaning for Christmas, one that is aligning with our values can often be helpful. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Write a big list of everything you like about Christmas. It could be the food, the presents, the colours, the carols etc. Once this is done, brainstorm ways in which you could incorporate them into your Christmas. Here are some examples:
- I love the food! But being estranged means I can’t have that big feast. Solution: Invite a few friends over close to Christmas and ask everyone to bring a dish.
- I love the carols. Solution: Visit the local council Christmas carols or have a night in and watch on tv! Make a favourite drink, have your favourite snacks, wear comfy clothes and you’re all set!
- Donate to a charity or volunteer. There are many organisations that would appreciate it!
- If you have a friend who invites you to their home for Christmas, consider taking them up on their offer. Whilst it can feel uncomfortable it does mean that you have people present around you should you feel vulnerable or need support.
- Stay in an Airbnb over Christmas. While there, do something that keeps you away from the commercialism of Christmas such as going for a hike/bushwalk (be sure to inform someone of your route), going to a beach, visiting antique shops etc.
If you know someone who is a part of a broken family or is estranged from their family, here are some tips on how to approach the topic of Christmas with them:
- Be conscious of how you talk about your Christmas plans. Whilst it is completely understandable to feel excited about your plans, it can be helpful to empathise when we’re expressing our excitement by putting ourselves in the other’s shoes. It can be disheartening to those who don’t have plans with family to hear friends boast about their Christmas plans.
- Ask them how they are feeling as Christmas approaches. That’s right folks, talking about our feelings is not taboo! It is likely the person being asked will greatly appreciate the time taken to check-in. When they answer, be sure to listen! It’s not so much about providing solutions, but really understanding where they are coming from.
- Send them a Christmas card in the mail. This is typically a well-received gesture that isn’t too full on. It’s a way to say you’re thinking of them during this time.
- Organise a Christmas catchup. This can involve something as simple as going for coffee. This gives the person a chance to still celebrate what Christmas means to them, with a person they feel comfortable with.
Remember, not everyone spends Christmas with their family. It may be hard for a few days, but you can get through it and are not alone.
Stress is a normal part of the human condition, and everyone feels it and deals with it differently. A person’s stress response is linked to the fight-flight-freeze response, which is activated in the brain when a person’s feels they are in danger.
However, as normal as stress is, too much stress can be detrimental to person’s physical, mental and emotional health. For this reason, the Life Resolutions team offer specialised stress counselling. We can explore the personal stress response of each client and develop therapy treatments to retrain the brain to better manage stress.
Stress Counselling at Tonic Psychology
So what does stress counselling involve at Tonic Psychology? While stress counselling is personalised to each client, essentially, we have developed an evidence-based approach to relaxation and stress-related problems to help our clients to get through the tough situations that life throws their way. We can provide our clients with the skills needed to take charge of their breathing, recognise their stress triggers, and them to have a more positive and confident state of mind. Tonic Psychology stress counselling services are an exceptional way to release any built-up tension. Our clients leave our clinic feeling lighter and free of the worries that had previously been weighing them down.
Signs that Stress is Becoming Unmanageable:
- Feeling unexplained aches and pains
- Changes in appetite and major fluctuations in weight
- Feelings of loneliness and isolation
- Loss of sex drive
- Unexplained feelings of moodiness, irritability or anger
- Neglecting responsibilities, or feeling overwhelmed by simple tasks
- Feeling pessimistic
- Difficulties focusing and remembering things.
Seek Support with Tonic Psychology
If you are experiencing difficulties in managing your stress, it may be time to seek support. When dealing with intense stress, it is always important to address it early, before it intensifies into more physical, mental or emotional issues. The Tonic Psychology team can offer exceptional stress counselling services to help you to get through the hard times and prosper in your life, without being held back by stress. To book in an appointment, contact our team today.
New Year New Mental Health
As the new year begins, it's important to take time to prioritize your mental health. At Tonic Psychology, a psychology clinic located in Essendon, Melbourne, we offer a range of services to support individuals in taking care of their mental well-being.
Common areas that people struggle with in the new year:
Depression Counselling
One common issue that many people struggle with is depression. If you're feeling down or hopeless for an extended period of time, it's important to seek help from a psychologist. Our team at Tonic Psychology in Essendon, Melbourne is experienced in working with individuals dealing with depression and can provide evidence-based treatment options to support you in overcoming this challenge.
Counselling for Anxiety
Anxiety is another common concern that can have a significant impact on daily life. Our psychologists in Melbourne are trained to help individuals identify the causes of their anxiety and develop strategies to manage it. Whether you're dealing with general anxiety, social anxiety, or phobias, we can work with you to find the right treatment approach.
Couples Therapy and Relationship Counselling
Couples counselling is another area of expertise at Tonic Psychology. If you and your partner are experiencing relationship difficulties, our psychologists in Balmain can provide support and guidance to help you improve communication and strengthen your bond.
Life Coaching and Career Counselling
In addition to traditional psychological services, we also offer life coaching and career counselling. These approaches can be helpful for individuals who are looking to make significant changes in their personal or professional lives. Our team can provide support as you navigate these transitions and work towards your goals.
Overall, it's important to prioritize your mental health and seek support when needed. At Tonic Psychology in Essendon, Melbourne, or Balmain Sydney, our team of experienced psychologists is here to help. Whether you're dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or looking for guidance as you make changes in your life, we can provide the support you need to thrive. So don't hesitate to reach out and take the first step towards improving your mental well-being in the new year.