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Avoid stress, depression, and relapse this holiday

Holiday pressure can feel especially heavy when you are protecting your mental health or recovery.

If this is close to what you’ve been living with, start with one conversation. You don’t have to be in crisis, and you don’t have to know what to call it. That’s our job.

Created by Tim Francis, SUD and Mental Health Content Specialist

Updated

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You can take one manageable next step by calling Women’s Recovery at 833.754.0554 for a private, conversation.

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agitated women sitting on couch with head in her hands trying to avoid stress, depression, and relapse this holiday season

Original article

Practical holiday recovery guidance and a conversation with Women’s Recovery can help you consider support before distress becomes harder to manage.

The holidays are just around the corner. Perhaps they snuck up on you this year, or maybe you have been looking forward to them for months. Avoiding stress, depression, and relapse during the holiday season can be challenging, and for good reason!

Common sources of holiday stress include the following:

  • Financial worries
  • Trying to make the holiday special for everyone
  • The pressure of family expectations
  • Having to spend time with family members with whom you disagree
  • Loneliness, especially if you are away from family
  • Major changes in routine and lifestyle

At Women’s Recovery, we offer a depression treatment program in addition to other outpatient treatment programs for behavioral health disorders. Call 833.754.0554 today for more information, especially if you or a loved one need help getting through the holidays.

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How to Deal with Winter Stress

Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce stress during the holidays. Here are some tips to help you avoid stress, depression, and relapse:

Set Realistic Expectations

Avoid overextending yourself or expecting too much from those around you. Family, in particular, can be a significant source of stress. The pressure of overt or implicit expectations can cause anxiety or even drive someone toward relapse. Knowing this in advance can help, and setting realistic expectations for yourself so that you do not overextend or overcommit can make the holidays more enjoyable.

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Avoid Overindulging

Food and alcohol, along with shopping, are intrinsic to the holidays. It can be too easy to channel stress and anxiety into overindulgence. Avoiding overindulgence in food, alcohol, gifts, and activities can help you stay mindful of the present moment and reduce stress.

Stay Connected

Staying connected with like-minded people can help reduce stress, depression, and the risk of relapse. Reach out to family members or friends with whom you have a good relationship and make plans to connect. If you cannot see family or friends in person, consider connecting via video call or phone. Additionally, contacting a therapist or a 12-step sponsor when necessary is also an excellent way to avoid potential problems during the holidays.

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Engage in Self Care

It’s essential to take care of yourself during these stressful times. Avoid overdoing things and make sure you get enough rest, exercise, and nourishing food, including drinking plenty of water. Additionally, try to find time for activities that are enjoyable and bring you peace of mind, such as reading a book, taking a walk in nature, listening to music, writing in a journal, or enjoying an online yoga class.

Do Not Compare Yourself to Others

Avoid comparing yourself to others during the holidays. Comparison can lead to insecurity and low self-esteem, so it is best to stay away from this trap. With the influx of holiday advertisements and images of perfect families, it is easy to get caught up in the idealized version of the holidays. Avoiding comparison can help you enjoy and appreciate what you have and reduce stress.

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At Women’s Recovery in Colorado, we understand that the holiday season can be stressful and emotionally challenging. Be mindful of your environment and the people around you, and take breaks when needed.

Reach Out to Women’s Recovery to Avoid Stress, Depression, and Relapse During the Holidays

If you are struggling to manage your holiday stress, Women’s Recovery in Colorado offers a variety of behavioral health treatment programs that can help. Their knowledgeable team of professionals is dedicated to helping individuals regain control of their lives and lead healthier, happier lives during the holidays and beyond. Call 833.754.0554 or contact us online to learn more.

No matter what this holiday season brings, remember that you are not alone in your struggles, and help is available. Avoiding stress, depression, and relapse during the holidays doesn’t have to be a challenge. With these tips in mind, you can make the most of this special time of year.

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Common questions

Explore for the people who love her and contact us for related guidance. Call admissions when you want to discuss your own situation.

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01 Does feeling sad during the holidays mean depression has returned?

Not necessarily. Sadness, grief and stress can occur without depression. Depression can involve severe symptoms that affect thinking, mood, sleep, eating, work or other daily activities. If changes persist, recur or interfere with functioning, professional support can help you understand the pattern and consider appropriate care.

02 Can peer support help during a difficult holiday period?

Peer support can provide shared understanding, respect and mutual encouragement. Those relationships may help you stay connected to recovery and feel less alone. Peer support is not a substitute for urgent or professional care when symptoms are severe, but it can be a valuable part of broader support.

03 How can I help a woman who wants to leave a holiday gathering?

Take her request seriously and avoid making her defend it. A calm exit, respectful company and freedom from pressure may protect her well-being. Listen rather than diagnosing the situation. If she describes feeling unsafe, hopeless or suicidal, connect with 988 or emergency help as the circumstances require.

04 Is returning to care a sign that recovery failed?

No. Depression may recur, and recovery from mental health or substance-use concerns can require changing levels of support. Re-entering care can be a practical response to new or worsening symptoms. It allows you to address current needs instead of treating a difficult period as a moral failure.

05 How can I speak with Women’s Recovery?

Call Women’s Recovery at 833.754.0554 for a private, conversation about what you or someone you love is experiencing. Women’s Recovery is located at 3801 E Florida Ave, Ste 650, Denver, CO 80210. Calling does not require you to have already chosen a particular form of care.

Evidence behind this page

Supporting health information

Read how we select health information sources and apply the Women’s Recovery editorial policy. These references provide general education and context; they do not establish an individual diagnosis, service, or treatment recommendation.

01 Depression - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) nimh.nih.gov View source 02 Recovery and Support | SAMHSA samhsa.gov View source 03 Suicide Prevention - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) nimh.nih.gov View source
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