It seems all over the place you look this time of yr, there’s a celebration available, festive lights strung up, and signs of merriment throughout.

But for a lot of, the vacations are hard – juggling funds, family dynamics or isolation can take a toll on mental health.

That is why several experts from Victoria and beyond are offering tips about the best way to manage your mental health throughout the holidays.

“, it starts getting dark, colder. Sometimes it makes us sit with things which can be uncomfortable. Past traumas, difficulties, anxieties, depression,” said Victoria-based counsellor Veronica Greer.

While the vacations are known for spending time with family, that can even result in friction with family members, like siblings who know the best way to push your buttons, or that weird uncle who asks intrusive questions.

Greer says setting boundaries is essential.

“Having the ability to say, ‘That is my base need for us to find a way to spend time together and in case you cannot adhere to this, then I even have to distance myself or leave,'” said the counsellor.

Greer adds that some people, like some 2SLGBTQ+ folks, may need to spend time with members of the family who don’t accept them.

Others could also be spending the season alone.

“If you’ve got the flexibility, invite someone into your house that may be a friend [who] doesn’t have connection to their circle of relatives,” said Greer.

Johnny Morris with the Canadian Mental Health Association agrees that the vacations are time to consider others.

“For people who find themselves bereaved or have lost someone, this time of yr is usually a reminder of that loss,” he said.

He says reaching out and checking in with people in your life is significant throughout the holidays.

‘IT’S NOT ABOUT THE GIFT’

Financial educator Mark Kalinowski with the Credit Counselling Society says it is important to not get too hung up about gifts.

“Most of us are in the identical financial position as our family and friends, and if we’re feeling stressed about money and time, well, they probably are too,” he said.

He says you’ll be able to asked family members about what the vacations mean to them.

“Anyone over the age of 25 goes to say it’s about time together. It’s not concerning the gift,” said Kalinowski.

If gifts absolutely are a must, there are methods to ease financial stress.

“Having an enormous family myself, one in every of the things we do – we do a bunch gift sometimes,” said Kalinowski.

“The opposite thing we’ll do is we’ll occasionally draw names for gifts,” he said.

One piece of recommendation that at all times rings true regardless of what sort of stress you are under is to talk over with someone.

When you need assistance, you’ll be able to call the Canadian Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789, no area code required, for 24-hour confidential support.