Holiday Aftermath: You survived
the holidays, but now what?

If you are able, take an assessment of where you are, physically and spiritually. If you need to go to your therapist or doctor to discuss serious side effects, cycling, mania, or depression, make an appointment right now! The longer you wait, the worse things will become, and often, symptoms will decrease rapidly with proper management. Don’t forget that the holidays are a busy time for mental health professionals, and you may have to wait for an appointment. So the sooner you call for an appointment, the sooner you can be stable.

If you need to renew your spirit, visit the used book store and pick up a good book. The holidays can deplete us of energy and focus. If you have emptied yourself with too much cooking, cleaning or rushing around, it is time to charge up that heart for the coming year. If you are a religious person, make plans to attend services this week. Remember that if you don’t take care of yourself, no one else will.

Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? If so, are they realistic? Unrealistic goals can cause depression and unnecessary stress. Write down your resolutions and look at them with a critical eye. If they are realistic, do you have a plan for carrying them out? No? Start planning. It is easy to fall into self doubting and loathing when unable to follow through with goals and ideas. Stop that before it starts by developing a simple, easy plan, and posting it (along with your resolutions) in several, visible places in your home and car. Do this as soon as possible, even if you think it is too late.