by Tina Y. Gerber - McCurley
I often address mental health issues because mental health can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, or income. Christmas is an especially challenging time of year, more and more people are talking about prioritizing their mental health, like any other physical concerns. If left untreated, it can lead to devastating consequences, including suicides, drug overdoses or a number of other injuries.
When experiencing or living with a mental illness, we all need to adopt a positive mental health attitude. Is your loved one worried, lost interest in activities previously enjoyed, acting out, maybe even mentioning life isn't worth living anymore? Do they act out verbally or physically with little or no provocation? Many individuals, regardless of age, have mental health concerns from time to time, but mental health concerns become a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and the ability not to function or perform their daily activities. Often, the healthcare system fails, in my opinion, which means our mental illness goes undiagnosed and, worse, left untreated. It's important to talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns.
You would agree everyone needs a good night's sleep, a proper exercise program, balanced nutrition, and a friendly face in the crowd when feeling alone, scared, and sad. As a caregiver, it is important to also navigate your own needs while supporting someone with a mental or physical illness. Offering a friend support or simply listening to them could be lifesaving to someone who is living with mental illness. I learned that my sister, who struggled with mental health issues, could not answer the question, "What can I do to help?" I just arrived at her doorstep, brought food or groceries, did her dishes, which were often piled to the ceiling or took her dirty laundry home to wash.
If you grew up in my home during the holiday season, it was not the happiest time of the year. For many people, the reality of the holiday season is actually the saddest and loneliest time of the year. There are some things you can do to manage your mental health even during the business of the holiday season and with Valentine's fast approaching: First, set a goal of what you want! To host and cook that big holiday dinner or a quiet evening creating quality time together with a few families or friends. You have the choice to decline other invitations. Set a time for holiday shopping, spending, baking or even which friends to visit. Get proactive about your schedule to prevent all your time from being filled with all those extra holiday activities that zap your energy. Put Christmas into perspective, as it can remind you of the many things you feel obligated to do that really don't matter.
I am at the stage of learning to allow the daughters to host, bake, and cook the Christmas Dinner. I love the squeals of hearing our grandchildren on Christmas morning, the smell of turkey, and remembering to bring my own cranberry sauce, knowing I can have a second plate of food, yet, being conscious of how my body will react. Sharing the best gift of all, with the people I love is Celebrating the Birth of my Lord and Saviour.
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