HelpGuide December Newsletter

[View in browser]( With all the seasonal decorations, festive music, and family traditions, the holidays can be a time of great joy, excitement, and celebration. But for many people, the holidays can also be the most stressful time of the year.  The pressure of gift-giving, family get-togethers, and holiday parties can often feel overwhelming. For others, it’s the sense of isolation that brings the most stress. It can seem that everyone is having a wonderful time, while you’re left all alone, on the outside looking in.  If you're affected by one of these five common holiday season stressors, here's how to ease the stress and anxiety:  1. If you’re stressed about money . . . Affording (and finding) holiday gifts and paying for holiday meals are some of the biggest stressors of this time of year. In fact, one recent survey found that the majority of people worry about holiday spending. So, you’re far from being alone. To keep your spending under control, set a budget, don’t feel obligated to buy gifts for everyone, and try to come up with creative and inexpensive gift ideas, such as making something personal, like a photo album or baked treats. It’s often the simple gifts, those that cost more in time and thought, that mean the most. [Learn more>>](  2. If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one . . . The holidays can often be a difficult time when you’ve lost a beloved family member, friend, or pet—especially if this is your first holiday season without them. Whether it’s triggered by a song, a tradition, or simply the memories of past holidays together, you can face a wave of painful emotions. While you can’t prevent the pain of grief and loss, you can find healthy ways to cope. Try to prepare ahead of time. Talk to other friends and family about the best ways to mark the holiday and honor your loved one’s memory. [Learn more>>](  3. If you’re feeling lonely . . . An AARP survey found that nearly one-third of U.S. adults have felt lonely during the holidays. Whether you live alone, are separated from family and friends, or feel isolated in the midst of a crowded party, this can be a stressful time of the year. But exploring different ways to stay in touch, reaching out to help others, and finding people with similar interests can help you deal with holiday loneliness. [Learn more>>](  4. If you’re worried about family conflict . . . For many of us, the holidays seem to exacerbate family tensions and difficult relationships. Whether it’s an overly critical parent, a jealous sibling, or a new in-law's controlling behavior, family events at the holidays can be stressful, filled with arguments, friction, and resentment. But by learning how to set boundaries, practicing empathy, and developing some conflict resolution skills, you can better manage difficult family relationships. [Learn more>>](  5. If you’re anxious about holiday parties . . . Whether it’s an office party, a neighborhood get-together, or a holiday night out with friends, being in an unfamiliar social situation can be stressful, especially if you’re nervous, introverted, or socially awkward. You may feel the pressure to be always “on” at an event, dread making small talk, or fear being judged by others. But by changing your focus, taking "mini-breaks," and learning some simple anxiety-relieving techniques, you can learn to overcome shyness and feel more comfortable at holiday events. [Learn more>>](  Whatever challenges you face over the holidays, remember that HelpGuide will always be there for you.  More than just a website, HelpGuide is a lifeline and a beacon of hope to millions of people. As an independent nonprofit, we're only able to offer our life-changing mental health resources thanks to the generosity of readers like you.  [Making a donation today]( can help ensure that everything on HelpGuide remains completely free for all users—and free of corporate influence. Your [gift of any size]( can have a tremendous impact on the lives of others.  We wish you a wonderful holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year! ­ HelpGuide articles you may have missed Coping with Financial Stress Feeling overwhelmed by money worries? Whatever your circumstances, there are ways to get through the expense of the holiday season, ease stress and anxiety, and regain control of your finances.  [Read more]( Dealing with Difficult Family Relationships Struggling to make it through the holidays with difficult family members? Learn about common sources of conflict and how to deal with dysfunctional family relationships. [Read more]( Caffeine and Its Effects on Teenagers Need endless coffee or energy drinks to make it through the day? Too much caffeine can come with health risks—especially for kids and teens. But there are healthier ways to boost your energy and cut down on caffeine. [Read more]( Mental health news from around the web AI may aid in diagnosing adolescents with ADHD (Radiological Society of North America) Using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze specialized brain MRI scans of adolescents with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), researchers found significant differences in nine brain white matter tracts in individuals with ADHD. [READ MORE →]( Mindfulness-based therapy shows promise for reducing PTSD in cardiac arrest survivors (Science Daily) A novel pilot study incorporating mindfulness into exposure therapy shows promise for reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress in cardiac arrest survivors. One in three survivors of cardiac arrest survivors develop PTSD, increasing their risk of mortality, yet no specific treatment has been developed for this population. [READ MORE →]( Increased internet use linked to higher anxiety in teens, research shows (News Medical) In a recent study published in BMC Public Health, researchers examined the prevalence of anxiety and internet addiction among adolescents during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Vietnam. [READ MORE →]( Discrimination may disrupt how the brain and the gut talk to each other, raising risk of obesity (NBC News) Experiencing discrimination may change how the brain and the gut communicate with each other, a new study has found. The disruption, the researchers say, could promote behaviors that increase people’s risk of obesity. [READ MORE →](  High levels of maternal stress during pregnancy linked to children's behavior problems (American Psychological Association) Children whose mothers are highly stressed, anxious, or depressed during pregnancy may be at higher risk for mental health and behavior issues during their childhood and teen years, according to research. [READ MORE →]( ­ Mental health helplines In the U.S.: [NAMI Helpline]( at 1-800-950-6264 UK: [Mind Infoline](: 0300 123 3393 Australia: [Sane Australia](: 1800 187 263 Canada: [Wellness Together Canada](: 1-866-585-0445 In other countries: Visit HelpGuide's [Directory of International Mental Health Helplines]( Follow Us: ­ ­ ­ ­ JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER Mental health and wellness tips, our latest articles, resources and more. [Subscribe]( ­ HelpGuide.org International, 515 S. Flower St. Suite 1800, Los Angeles, CA, 90071 This email was sent to {EMAIL} You've received it because you've subscribed to our newsletter. 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