As “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” plays across the country, the holidays are anything but wonderful for many. Holiday-induced stress and anxiety cause even the most cheerful to feel like a Grinch.
For many, the holidays bring sadness, loneliness and grief. Dysfunctional family gatherings with unresolved conflict and overconsumption of alcohol can be extremely difficult.
For those in recovery, festive cocktail-fueled parties and the stressful hustle can be triggers for relapse. But it is possible to enjoy the holidays with a realistic outlook by staying balanced with our time, eating habits and activities, and supporting those struggling.
– Scott Burgess, David Lawrence Center