Make mental health a priority before the holiday season begins.

The holidays are often depicted as the most magical time of the year. However, with family gatherings, parties, food, and everything else in between, the holidays can sometimes be the most emotionally challenging time of the year. Holidays can bring up complicated hardships like grief, loneliness, and stress. Ashley Scott, a licensed clinical social worker and the division director at JCMG Center for Well-Being, helps provide a better understanding of why it is so important for people to prioritize their mental health.

There are many contributing factors that can be taxing to a person’s mental health during the holidays. The holiday season can become a very stressful time because it increases pressure on families to provide lasting memories for one another, can be taxing on people who are struggling financially, and can be a complicated time for those navigating family conflicts. The holidays may also be a reminder of past trauma or loss and can reignite feelings of loneliness or mourning.

“It’s important to know this: if the holidays don’t feel like the cheerful movies you grew up watching, you are not alone,” says Ashley regarding how isolating these mixed feelings around the holidays can be. “You’re not doing it wrong. You’re human.”

It is the vast array of emotions and feelings that can crop up around the holidays that make it so crucial for people to prioritize their mental health. Prioritizing mental health doesn’t mean forcing a fake smile and pretending that everything is OK, and it doesn’t mean going through the motions of what the holidays are supposed to look like. Making a conscious decision to prioritize mental health means giving personal well-being the same level of care and attention that one extends to friends and family during the holidays.

There are a lot of things that can be done to help make mental health and well-being a priority.

“Focusing on your mental health could look like setting limitations on how often you commit to social gatherings, letting go of unrealistic expectations, or saying ‘no’ to something that feels too heavy,” Ashley explains.

Ultimately, when it comes to tending to emotional wellness throughout the holidays, it is important to set aside some time to feel emotions, set firm boundaries that allow the holiday season to be enjoyable, and do what feels right to feel at peace. Therapy can be a wonderful resource in helping accomplish these tasks.

Counseling can provide people with a safe environment to express their emotions and feelings during a very busy time of year. When speaking with a counselor, there is no pressure to put on a brave face or hide what might truly be bothersome.

“It (therapy) is a space for all emotions to exist without criticism,” Ashley says.

Therapy is not only beneficial for mental health during the holidays; it can also positively impact overall health. The holidays are extremely busy, and sometimes, people slip into survival mode without realizing it, going through the motions each day. This experience can lead to physical symptoms like exhaustion, brain fog, or even chronic pain. Therapy can help alleviate these issues by providing a place for relaxation and healing to take place, a place where a person’s nervous system can be at ease.

JCMG Center for Well-Being offers a variety of outlets for people who want to prioritize their mental health over the holidays. It offers in-person and telehealth sessions with their staff, which can make it easier for people from all walks of life to access valuable resources and mental health treatment, and focuses on individual counseling and individually tailored personalized treatment plans.

“Whether someone is struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or just feeling overwhelmed, therapy offers real tools and real support to help people feel better and more connected in their everyday lives,” Ashley explains.

It’s clear that the holidays can simultaneously be the most beautiful time of the year and the most stressful time of the year. Ultimately, anyone and everyone could benefit from prioritizing their mental health around the holiday season.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach.

“Focus on what genuinely matters — like being present with loved ones, resting when you need it, and letting go of perfection,” Ashley says.

So, when hanging lights, planning parties, or meeting with family this season, make sure to also make mental health and well-being a holiday priority.

Help is here.

JCMG’s Center for Well-Being offers compassionate mental health care for both adults and children. Whether navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or life’s everyday challenges, their team of licensed professionals offers personalized counseling. With convenient weekday hours and a warm, supportive environment, the Center for Well-Being empowers individuals to build confidence and long-term tools for a healthier, more balanced life. (573) 634-5400 | jcmg.org/specialties/center-for-well-being