Navigating the Holidays When Mental Health Struggles
The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy and togetherness, but for many people, it can be a period of amplified stress and emotional strain. This is especially true for those dealing with mental health challenges or substance abuse. William Cifredo, who has firsthand experiance with addiction and its challenges during the holidays, offers insights into coping with this challenging time. After overcoming his own struggles, he now works with Healing Transitions, an organization in Raleigh that supports individuals facing homelessness, addiction, and other issues. “This becomes a challenging time,” cifredo acknowledges. He recalls feeling isolated and separated during the holidays, highlighting the unique pressures this season can bring. Cifredo’s experience is shared by many.A 2023 study by the American Psychological Association found that 41% of adults report increased stress levels during the holidays. The National Alliance on Mental illness (NAMI) notes that while holiday stress is sometimes temporary, in some cases it can trigger anxiety, depression, or worsen existing mental health concerns. Amy Brundle, a spokesperson for NAMI who has also faced mental health challenges, emphasizes the isolating nature of struggling during a time when societal expectations promote happiness. Brundle stresses the importance of seeking help. “There are numbers you can call.For example, if you feel like you’re in a mental health crisis, you can contact 988,” she advises. Brundle also encourages individuals to redefine the holidays in a way that works best for them, rather than forcing themselves to conform to traditional expectations. Cifredo suggests that having a plan to manage reactions and emotions triggered by holiday decorations and social gatherings can be helpful. “That kept me in a joyous mood, I guess,” he says. “[It] allowed me to feel connected to the holidays, right? Because you want to feel connected.” If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, please reach out for help. You can call or text 988, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Veterans can press “1” after dialing 988 to connect directly to the Veterans crisis Lifeline. For texts, veterans should continue to text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.## Navigating the Holidays When Mental Health Struggles
**William cifredo,having overcome addiction and now working with Healing Transitions in Raleigh,shares insights on coping with holiday challenges:**
**Archyde:** William,the holidays are often depicted as a joyful time,but for many,they amplify stress and strain. Can you speak to your experience with this?
**Cifredo:** Absolutely. This becomes a genuinely challenging time. I recall feeling isolated and separated during the holidays, experiencing the unique pressures this season brings. It’s tough when societal expectations clash with personal struggles.
**Archyde:** The American Psychological Association found that 41% of adults experience increased stress during the holidays. What advice would you offer to someone struggling during this time?
**Cifredo:** Having a plan to manage reactions and emotions triggered by holiday decorations or gatherings can be helpful. It allows you to feel connected to the holidays in a way that feels authentic to you.
**Archyde:** Amy Brundle,a spokesperson for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI),emphasizes the importance of seeking help.What resources are available for those in need?
**Brundle:** There are numbers you can call. If you feel like you’re in a mental health crisis, please contact 988. Remember, you’re not alone.
**Archyde: ** Amy, you also encourage individuals to redefine the holidays in a way that works best for them. Can you elaborate on that?
**Brundle:** The holidays don’t have to look a certain way. It’s okay to break traditions and prioritize your well-being. Maybe that involves scaling back celebrations or opting for smaller gatherings. Do what feels right for *you*.
**Archyde:** both William and Amy highlight the importance of connection and support. Do you think societal expectations contribute to feelings of isolation during the holidays? How can we foster a more inclusive and understanding environment?
*Readers, what are your thoughts on this? Have you found creative ways to cope with holiday stress or to support those who are struggling?*
## Holiday Stress: A Conversation with William Cifredo and Amy Brundle
**Archyde:** Welcome to Archyde,where we speak candidly about the realities of life. The holidays are often depicted as a joyous time, but for many, they bring increased stress and emotional strain, notably those facing mental health or substance abuse challenges. Today, we’re joined by William Cifredo of Healing Transitions in Raleigh and Amy Brundle, a spokesperson for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), both of whom have navigated the complexities of the holidays through their own mental health experiences.
**William, thanks for joining us today. Can you share with us a bit about what makes the holidays especially challenging for those struggling with addiction or mental health concerns?**
**William Cifredo:** The holidays frequently enough amplify the feelings of isolation and loneliness that many individuals struggling with these issues already experiance. Seeing everyone seemingly happy and connected can be incredibly difficult when you’re feeling the opposite way.
**Amy, NAMI emphasizes the isolating nature of struggling during the holidays.Can you elaborate on that?**
**Amy Brundle:** Absolutely. The societal pressure to feel joyful and participate in festivities can feel incredibly overwhelming,especially when you’re battling inner demons. It can create a sense of shame or inadequacy, leading to further withdrawal and isolation.
**William, you mentioned feeling isolated during the holidays in the past. how did you cope?**
**William Cifredo:** Having a plan in place helped me immensely. It involved identifying triggers, like certain decorations or social gatherings, and developing strategies for managing my reactions.It was about finding ways to create pockets of peace and self-care within the holiday chaos.
**Amy, what advice would you give someone who is finding the holidays particularly challenging this year?**
**Amy Brundle:** Frist and foremost, remember you are not alone. It’s crucial to reach out for support. Talk to trusted friends or family members,connect with support groups,or utilize helplines like 988 for mental health crises. Don’t be afraid to redefine the holidays to suit your needs. Don’t force yourself to conform to traditions that cause you distress. Find ways to celebrate that are meaningful and comforting for you.
**William, what resources does Healing Transitions offer for those facing homelessness and addiction during this time of year?**
**William Cifredo:** We provide a safe and supportive habitat year-round, withProgramming tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. During the holidays, we offer special events and activities focused on fostering a sense of community and belonging.
**Archyde:** Thank you both for sharing your insights and offering such valuable advice during this often challenging time of year. We encourage our viewers to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength.
**(For viewers seeking additional information and support,please visit the websites of Healing Transitions and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) ).**
