It's supposed to be "the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." However, with the U.S. economy in a recession, this holiday season may be a stressful one.
During tough economic times, classic holiday traditions like shopping trips, parties and family gatherings can cause additional stress and intensify feelings of hopelessness. The pressure to have the "perfect" season can leave many feeling anxious, gloomy, and sad.
Negative feelings are normal, appropriate and even necessary during life's difficult moments, especially when a loved one is away and you are struggling to pay the bills. But when worry, anger or stress prevent you from enjoying the season, doing your daily activities or interacting with friends and loved ones, it might be time to seek help.
This holiday season and year-round, take advantage of the free, anonymous, online and telephone mental health self-assessments available for military personnel and their families. The self-assessments contain a series of questions that, when linked together, help create a picture of how an individual is feeling and whether they could benefit from talking to a health professional. Once a self-assessment is completed, the individual receives information on how to get help including services provided through the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
The program, funded by the DoD, is available to families in all branches, including the National Guard and Reserve.
This holiday season, take care of your family by taking stock of your emotions and seeking help if life is especially stressful. The self-assessment is the first step to caring for those you love by helping yourself.
To access the anonymous program, visit www.MilitaryMentalHealth.org or call-877-877-3647.
Tips for dealing with holiday stress and anxiety:
* Keep holiday expectations real: balancing the demands of the holiday season -shopping, parties and family obligations- can be very stressful.
* Use alcohol moderately: Alcohol is a depressant. Excessive drinking will increase your feelings of sadness.
* Eat right and nurture your body: A balanced diet, moderate exercise and rest can help you to reduce stress and enjoy life.
* Learn to identify your moods: The holiday blues are a common response to a stressful season. However, if feelings of hopelessness and anxiety persist for longer than two weeks and interfere with your normal, daily routine, seek professional help.
* Set a healthy holiday budget: Overspending during the season can lead to stress and anxiety. Spend wisely and remember it is the thought that counts.
About the Mental Health Self-Assessment ProgramR (MHSAP)
MHSAP gives Service personnel and their families the opportunity to learn more about mental health and alcohol use through anonymous self-assessments offered online, via telephone, and through special events held at installations.
The program is designed to help individuals identify their own symptoms and access assistance before a problem becomes serious.
The self-assessments address PTSD, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol use, and bipolar disorder. After completing a self-assessment, individuals receive referral information including Tricare, Military OneSource and Veterans Affairs.
MHSAP is fully funded by Force Health Protection and Readiness, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Health Affairs. To take a free, anonymous self-assessment, visit
www.MilitaryMentalHealth.org <http://www.militarymentalhealth.org/> or call
1-877-877-3647.