Dept of Consumer Affairs Offers Consumer Coping Strategies to Help Keep Holiday Rush from Becoming "Holiday Blues"

The holiday season can be stressful for many people. Often it's the stress of trying to live up to unrealistic expectations. Many factors can take their toll on emotional well being: rushing around; attending to extra social obligations; being alone; spending too much money; or overindulging in food and drink.

The California Department of Consumer Affairs has tips on dealing with the holiday blues, and advice for consumers who may need to seek professional help. The Department's Board of Psychology licenses psychologists, while the Board of Behavioral Sciences licenses clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists.

Experts say coping with the holidays starts with simply being aware of your expectations, both for yourself and for friends and family.

"It's an illusion that everyone's holidays are perfect. You may not be able to relive past holidays or create the "perfect" holiday season," explains Jacqueline Horn, Ph.D., president of the California Board of Psychology. "But the holiday blues are usually short-lived and should pass. If you don't feel better soon after the holiday season is over, you may want to seek professional help."

Dr. Horn, a practicing clinical psychologist and lecturer for the UC Davis Department of Psychology, says even those who are isolated and have no support group can brighten their holidays by going out in public. They can go to the mall, attend no-cost or low-cost community events, or volunteer their time to help others during the holidays.

Since days are shorter and the hours of darkness longer, another way to keep the blues at bay is to simply get some sunlight with a daytime activity, experts say.

Following are some tips from psychologists on how to cope with holiday stress:

TIPS TO HELP YOU HANDLE THE HOLIDAYS

■Set realistic goals for yourself
■Find time for yourself.
■Volunteer to do something for others
■Let go of the past. Approach the holidays with a fresh outlook and try something new
■Don't over-indulge by drinking or eating too much
■Spend time with people who are supportive
■Get your sleep
■Get some exercise
■Connect with your community.


However, if your typical coping skills are ineffective and you become overwhelmed by stress, anxiety or depression, it may be a sign that you should consider seeking professional help. Other warning signs include:

■Weight loss or gain
■Thoughts of suicide
■Feelings of worthlessness
■Difficulty thinking or concentrating
■Difficulty sleeping or increased sleeping
■Depression symptoms lasting more than two weeks
If you think you need professional help, start by getting a referral for a qualified therapist from friends, family members, clergy or your physician. Consumers should confirm a therapist is licensed so they meet the professional standards set by the state. Also check that the license is in good standing.

The California Department of Consumer Affairs licenses thousands of professionals who can help. To check license status or get more information, visit the Psychology Board Web site at www.psychboard.ca.gov or the Board of Behavioral Sciences site at www.bbs.ca.gov. Psychiatrists are medical doctors licensed by the Medical Board of California, www.mbc.ca.gov. Licensed Professional Counselor LPC CEUs
For more tips on how to "Be a Safe and Smart Holiday Consumer," check the Department of Consumer Affairs' Web site. The California Department of Consumer Affairs promotes and protects consumer interests. Call(800) 952-5210 or visit the Department's Web site for information on a variety of helpful consumer topics.

Health Department Offers Holiday Mental Health Tips

The holiday season is here, and although this is usually a joyous time of year, it can be an especially stressful time for those who experienced loss because of the recent hurricanes in Louisiana. To help people cope, the Department of Health and Hospitals-Office of Mental Health is offering counseling services and stress-relief tips. LPC CEUs, LPC Continuing Education

“We know this holiday season will be a difficult one for many of our citizens,” said DHH Secretary Dr. Fred Cerise. “The holidays can intensify feelings of grief and loneliness. Also, the contrast to past holidays may aggravate the losses people have experienced in recent months, and the stress of preparing for holidays when money is short and family members are scattered can be overwhelming. We want to let people know that help is available during this time.”

To be able to enjoy the holidays despite these feelings, DHH mental health officials advise citizens to think ahead about ways to adapt traditions to meet the current circumstances. “Don’t put pressure on yourself to have the ‘perfect’ holiday. Planning celebrations that accommodate your feelings can reduce stress and make the holiday a day of healing,” said Dr. Cheryll Bowers-Stephens, DHH-OMH assistant secretary. “Have a holiday that fits how you feel.”

To turn Thanksgiving and other upcoming holidays into a time of healing, it is important for people to acknowledge that things have changed in the past year.

“Prior to the holiday, each person should consider the question, ‘How did I get to this day in this place?’ The answer will include the many traumas of upheaval, but it will also include moments of help, support, togetherness and kindness with loved ones,” Dr. Bowers-Stephens said. “Citizens also can come up with ways to honor those who lost their lives during the hurricanes as part of their activities, as this will help them celebrate their lives. The journey from disaster to recovery takes a long time, but being aware of even small kindnesses is empowering and will help everyone tackle the difficult rebuilding that lies ahead.”

Such observations of the holiday may not help everyone to manage their emotions. Anyone experiencing overwhelming feelings of sadness or loss is encouraged to call the statewide crisis hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak to a certified mental health counselor.