If the holidays don’t make you feel warm and fuzzy and fill you with cheer, you aren’t alone!

Most of us, a whopping 88% of people, feel stressed by the holidays, and 64% of people with mental health challenges feel worse.

There are more reasons for the holiday blues than tinsel on a tree, but some of the biggest vote-getters include:

• Too much socializing
• Not enough socializing
• The holiday price tags
• Too much to do, too little time
• Missing loved ones
• Feeling pressure to be happy
• Expecting holiday perfection
• Family conflicts
• Loneliness

Toss in a spoonful of seasonal depression from lack of natural sunlight (yes, it’s a real thing), and you have a holiday recipe for the Bah Humbug Blues.

Here are some general tips to see you through:

• Set realistic limits – you can only do so much in a day
• Don’t compare yourself with others, especially on social media or t.v.
• Skip the mall and shop online in your jammie pants
• Make a holiday budget and stick to it
• Don’t worry about unimportant things or things beyond your control
• Identify your negative triggers and how to avoid them
• Help someone in need and forget your stress for a while
• Be good to yourself – take time for self-care
• Reach out for help when you need it to someone in your support group or a mental health professional
• Remember, you’re never alone on your journey

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From our Shelter family to yours, wishing you a safe and peaceful holiday season!