MIAMI VALLEY — The Christmas holidays are often a happy time but can also be sad and stressful for some.
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As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, there are things people can do to make things a little easier during the holiday season.
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News Center 7′s Nick Foley says there is a lot of hustle and bustle this time of year. It ranges from trying to find the perfect gift and catching up with friends and family can lead to the holiday blues.
For many, the blues are defined as feelings of stress, anxiety, or sadness that surround the holiday season.
Foley spoke with Julie Manuel, Clinical Program Manager at Kettering Health Behavior Medical Center.
“How common is it for you to see more of an uptick in perhaps those folks coming in with loneliness symptoms, or depression symptoms this time of year?” Nick asked.
“We’ve been very busy lately, unfortunately, and that is because folks are really feeling the pressure and the stress and having some of those increased feelings of anxiety and depression for the end of the year. But then also, you know, bills piling up,” answered Manuel.
Foley reports these burdens can take a toll on us mentally.
The American Psychiatric Association says nearly one-third of Americans are experiencing more stress this holiday season than in 2023.
Nearly half are saying they miss or are grieving loved ones.
46 percent are trying to deal with the high costs of the holidays.
Whatever the trigger, Manuel says you should recognize the emotions and stay connected to those close to you.
“I think that’s really, really important, especially for those loved ones that might be on opposite sides of the country not able to travel this time of year, it’s really important to give them a quick text, phone call, or FaceTime them,” said Manuel.
She said people can stay connected to their community by volunteering at a food pantry or a shelter.
But connecting does not mean getting on social media more.
Manuel says too much time online can lead to more symptoms.
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