Make wellness a priority this season

The holidays evoke visions of joyful family celebrations, holiday decorations and busy social calendars. But for many, the holidays also can be a time of heightened anxiety, depression, stress and grief.

Whether someone is troubled by the weight of world events, holiday stressors and unrealistic expectations, fewer daylight hours or the sadness of having lost a loved one, job or relationship, UNMC leaders encourage staff, students and faculty to make their personal and mental wellness a priority this holiday season.

“It’s an incredibly complicated time of year,” said Steven Wengel, MD, assistant vice chancellor for campus wellness. “Expectations run high and, coupled with the unimaginable global suffering we’ve seen in the media, life can quickly become overwhelming.

“Mental health matters for everyone, so, as the holidays approach, it’s OK – and normal – to juggle feelings of joy with bouts of sadness, grief and stress, and prioritize self-care with friends or professionals.”

The UNMC Department of Psychiatry reminds us to:

• Set realistic expectations, be kind to yourself and show grace to others who may be experiencing unknown difficulties.
• Focus on quality rather than quantity of experience and prioritize experience rather than hustle.
• Give yourself permission to slow down.
• Remember what’s important during the season.
• The scope of global suffering can make one feel helpless, so do what you can, where you are, to better your corner of the world.
• Seek help, if needed, for anxiety, depression or substance use disorder. It’s not uncommon for people to be impacted by seasonal affective disorder or loneliness in the fall and winter. 
• Set boundaries and respect those of others. If you have disagreements with loved ones, it’s OK to change the subject or say, “I won’t talk about that topic today.” Or if all else fails, leave early.
• Schedule time for the things that enhance your resilience, such as exercise or coffee with friends or colleagues.