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are no longer valid.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.