Thinking about the Holidays

This holiday season will be unlike any other. Many individuals and

families are having to make some tough decisions about who to spend

other in many, many months are expecting that it may be many more

before they are together again.

The recommendations for the holidays that I have suggested in the past

are no longer valid. But, I do have some thoughts for 2020.

Focus on what you do have rather than on what you have lost.

Recognize that some of the choices being made by other family members

may be different than the choices you are making in terms of mask

wearing, social distancing, etc. Think about what is best for you and

those you care about and communicate that respectfully.

If family members choose not to visit this year, do not take it personally.

Every individual and family is making choices for their health and safety,

and some are more cautious than others.

If you are feeling anxious, depressed, or lonely, there are people you can

reach out to at all hours. You are not alone in these feelings though it

may seem that way. The 24 hour/365 days suicide prevention hotline

number is posted on this web site. There is also CONTACT telephone

support and the Pathways warm line. All of these are posted on this site.

They are available when you need them.

As always, avoid excess consumption of alcohol. There are other ways to

relax. Choose healthy foods and get plenty of sleep. These are good

recommendations any time not just now.

Now, more than ever, I have to remind myself and others to accept the

things we cannot change. There is no point to resisting this reality. We

can acknowledge that it is difficult, sometimes very difficult, we don’t

like it, and we want life to go back to the way it was. So, again, we need to

focus on what we do have rather than what we have lost. Reach out to the

supports that are available, and, remember you are not alone.