It seems in every single 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 way to manage your mental health in the course of 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 may also result in friction with family members, like siblings who know the way to push your buttons, or that weird uncle who asks intrusive questions.

Greer says setting boundaries is vital.

“Having the ability to say, ‘That is my base need for us to give you the option 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 gotten the flexibility, invite someone into your private home that may be a friend [who] doesn’t have connection to their family,” said Greer.

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

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

He says reaching out and checking in with people in your life is very important in the course of 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 may 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, considered one of the things we do – we do a gaggle 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 all the time rings true regardless of what sort of stress you are under is to consult with someone.

For those who need assistance, you may call the Canadian Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789, no area code required, for 24-hour confidential support.