Coping with Holiday Stress

Now that December is here, many of us are starting to think about the holiday season and what it means for different people. 

For some, the holidays are a joyous time filled with anticipation and excitement. For others, it can be an incredibly lonely and triggering time, which unfortunately means that drug and alcohol use tends to rise. 

In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol and drug-induced deaths spike during the months of December and January. This is caused by a number of factors—holiday parties with excessive alcohol consumption, stress surrounding the season, and holiday-related depression and anxiety, to name a few. 

Mental health, though often overlooked in our fast-paced society, is equally as important as physical health. It's important to be aware of the triggers as well as strategies you can use to manage stress, anxiety and depression, and to reach out for help if you need it. 

Remember: if this time of year is difficult for you, you are not alone and you do not have to suffer in silence. You can make a health center appointment on the Planned Parenthood Direct app if you suspect you may need more support.