|
|
|
|
|
Taking care of yourself in times of stress The holidays are usually stressful for everyone. There is Christmas shopping to do, meals to plan, scheduling get-togethers with everyone, and very much busy-ness for us all. But when you have a loved one with a mental health issue you have to multiply the usual stress by a very large number depending on what phase of illness your loved one is experiencing at this time. And often it seems that they sense our need to complete all these tasks - and that makes them more stressed out than usual also. So when our families are under stress and pressure, a cycle can get started where everyone’s pressure feeds on everyone else’s pressure and we begin a cycle of decompensation for everyone. So what can we do to at least minimize what can seem like the inevitable cycle of family distress? Here are a few suggestions for stress management during the holidays (and any other time for that matter). H: Eat well. In order to keep our bodies nourished and our blood sugar at appropriate levels, we need to eat three meals and a couple of snacks every day. These meals must be well balanced – consisting of protein, fat, and lots of fruits and vegetables. When you do not eat properly and your blood sugar gets low you get cranky, short tempered, perhaps aggressive, and very hungry. A: Handle your feelings. Talk to people about what is going on, do not sit on your feelings and fume about something. Work it out by talking to whomever, and by asking for what you want to have happen. You may not always get what you want, but you will feel better for having asked for it. Unspoken, pent up feelings can make you cranky, short tempered, perhaps aggressive, and unhappy. L: Are you lonely? In spite of the fact that the holidays pull us all together with our families, it also brings up all the “other” holidays before the current ones when things were “different.” Perhaps people you love have died, are ill, or are estranged from you making you feel lonely. Talk to someone about this. Do not suffer through the holidays in silence. Be with friends and relatives that you enjoy and monitor your feelings. Be careful how much alcohol you consume – this can make you feel worse, not better. If you are lonely, you will become cranky, short tempered, perhaps aggressive, and sad. T: Get enough sleep. The sleep researchers have proven that we need 7-8 hours of sleep per night in order to be fully rested and give our bodies time to heal themselves. Don’t short yourself on sleep or you will become cranky, short tempered, perhaps aggressive, and eventually ill. Tip for the Month: HALT is an acronym you can use to check yourself when you feel bad at any time. Ask yourself: Am I hungry, angry, lonely, or tired? As you can see above, any of these conditions have similar consequences to us. The chances are pretty good that if you take care of these four things, you will have solved your discomfort. And they also work very well for your loved one – since this is a procedure we use in the mental health field to help people manage themselves better! Never give up!! Dr. Grace |
