Why is Therapy Important During the Holiday Season? by Robyn Tamanaha
It’s difficult managing the demands that come with the holidays. For some, the winter holidays also bring about feelings of sadness, reminders of losses, and comparisons regarding how their life doesn’t measure up to others.
This time of year can be overwhelming which, oftentimes, can lead to some things in your life getting placed on the backburner. The first thing to go is usually taking care oneself, while at the same time pushing oneself beyond their limits.
Why does this happen?
Well, for starters, the messages we’re given this time of year is to be giving to others. Giving means baking that pie or frying that turkey so that others can enjoy it. Shared time together means planning gatherings and coordinating parties. It means presents, which then means working hard to make money for those presents.
Family gatherings can be meaningful, but also stressful. Sometimes, they can even bring up dread. Shopping is time-consuming. Planning can be emotionally taxing. Everything that goes into physically and emotionally prepping for the holidays makes taking care of yourself of utmost importance, but unfortunately, self-care can be minimized or forgotten altogether.
Things to consider when it comes to attending therapy during the holidays:
Where else will you have a spot dedicated to you and your mental health?
It’s only one hour out of the entire week.
It can help ease stress and, oftentimes, help you to create a game plan for how you will manage different aspects of this holiday season that you’ve been worried about.
It’s giving yourself the time you deserve for the hard work and effort you’re putting into this holiday season.
It can help if this holiday season is especially difficult due to a certain unfortunate circumstances or loss.
You don’t have to do this alone. I specialize in treating bipolar disorder. If you are interested in receiving therapy with me, let’s schedule a free 15-minute phone consult
My office is located in Irvine, which is near Newport Beach, Orange, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Tustin, Seal Beach, and beyond. I work with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and Asian American & Pacific Islanders.
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. The topics being discussed are meant as a self-help tool for you own use. It is not psychotherapy or counseling. This information is to be used based on your own judgment. If you need to speak with a professional, you should find one local to you and contact them directly.