Make Your Mental Health a Priority This Holiday Season

Winter holidays are meant to be a joy-filled season with family and friends, but they also can bring a lot of stress. Here we are in 2021, with the continued risk of COVID-19 and its new variants still posing threats. In addition, now we have product and food supply shortages across the country – this sounds like a recipe for a higher-than-normal stress-filled holiday season. 

Putting your mental health first during the holidays should be your number one priority. It can more easily help you enjoy this beautiful time of year spending quality time with family and friends in addition to starting 2022 on the right foot. 

Here is a short list to start doing right now to strengthen your mental health for the holidays or anytime of the year.

• Be kind to yourself. Work on not comparing yourself to others and allow yourself to make mistakes.
• Enjoy the small things like a beautiful sunset or a favorite smell.
• It’s okay to say no, you don’t have to accept every request.
• Exercise in any form is a great way to relieve stress.
• Learn to smile and laugh more. Smiling and laughing at even the little things in life can improve your mood.
• Limit screen time. Too much screen time can be bad for your health.
• Gratitude improves mental health. Remember who or what you are thankful for.

 
Mental health is a state of well-being and not something someone can just “snap out” of like a bad mood. Here are a few warning signs for when to seek professional help for yourself or your family member.

• Feeling very sad, withdrawn, or unmotivated for more than two weeks.
• Out-of-control, risk-taking behaviors.
• Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing.
• Not eating, significant weight loss or weight gain.
• Severe mood swings causing problems in relationships.
• Excess use of drugs or alcohol.

 
There is help available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Here you will find:

• National Suicide Prevention 1-800-273-8255; En español 1-888-628-9454
• Live chats online using Life Chat on the web
• Crisis text line by texting “HELLO” to 741741
• Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text to 838255
• Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990

 
From NIMH knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives. Below is a flyer from NIMH with the five steps you can take to be the one to help someone in emotional pain.

Have a healthy and happy holiday season from the staff at Allied National.

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Allied National

Founded in 1970, Allied is one of the nation's oldest and most experienced third-party administrators. Allied National is a 90 Degree Benefits Company, a subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. As the small group benefit experts, Allied works with small business employers to provide unique and affordable group health benefits.