Video: Dealing With Stress During The Holidays

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The holiday season is a joyful time for many but for some it can bring unwelcome guests named “stress” and “depression”.

Gift buying and making enough time for everyone can stretch you to the breaking point.

If you are already experiencing stress in other areas of your life, you may be especially vulnerable to increased anxiety during the holidays. Being financially strapped doesn’t help either.

“It impacts our ability to enjoy the holidays because of current things that are going on in our lives or things from our past,” said Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Pat Bonner.

The program “Maintaining Your Emotional Health During the Holidays” at Baptist Golden Triangle focused on what causes stress during this time of the year and how to cope with it.

“If we look at the current economy than we would think about financial issues, current bills you know that we got pilling up on us or just worrying and stress,” adds Bonner.

And it’s easy to forget what the holiday season is all about, we spoke to some people that attended the program  and asked them what makes them stressed around the holidays.

“The crowds, but I love peoples but the crowds…” says Joan Smith.

“Trying to find the perfect gift when I know i’m a last minute shopper,” adds Shlanda Ball.

“Being away from family, me and my wife live here, we don’t get to get home much,” said Jim Holloway.

“Trying to get things for the grand children and everything, just cooking that’s a major thing,” said Katie Salter.

But no matter the worry, experts say planning things in advance and taking some time to yourself can go a long way. A warm bath and a good book can be remarkably therapeutic.

“Just taking it one day at a time and not really you know worrying so much about the future because usually you know it works itself out over time,” added Bonner.

Baptist Golden Triangle is looking forward to holding this program again next year.

Categories: Local News

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