As the holiday season approaches, many of us begin to look forward to spending time with family and friends, and sharing together in the joys of the season. However, for people who have been exposed to a traumatic event, the holiday season may bring up negative feelings. Especially at this time of year thinking about loved ones who have died can be painful, particularly for those who have recently lost someone.
Even for people who have not been exposed to trauma, the holidays can be a stressful time. A recent survey found that finances are the most common cause of holiday stress. Buying gifts and paying for travel expenses can create a significant financial burden. Winter's short days and lack of sunlight can trigger bouts of depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), making the holidays that much more difficult.
To help people cope with grief, stress, and depression during the holiday season, the NCTSN offers the following resources for educators, families, and mental health professionals.
In order to view and print some of the materials provided, you will need Acrobat Reader. If it is not loaded in your computer, you can download it for free by visiting www.adobe.com.
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