Navigating Mental Health During the Holiday Season: Tips and Resources

The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy and celebration, but for many, it can also bring up complex emotions, stress, and even grief. Whether you’re missing a loved one, navigating strained relationships, or simply feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to not feel “merry and bright” all the time. 

As the North Shore’s leading mental health organization, we asked our counsellors to share some guidance on how to navigate this season with care and intention. Here are some tips and insights they offered to help you maintain your mental well-being during the holidays.

Grief and the Holidays

The holidays can be particularly challenging for those experiencing grief. Whether you’re mourning the loss of a loved one, struggling with a sense of isolation, or feeling sadness that seems to come from nowhere, know that your emotions are valid and you’re not alone. Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and it’s okay to feel its presence amidst the festivities. Find ways to honour your feelings, like creating space for reflection, journaling about your emotions, lighting a candle for a loved one, or sharing your feelings with someone you trust.

To support those navigating grief this season, grief specialist David Kessler is offering a free Holiday Grief Support Series via Zoom. This series includes three online sessions on December 14th, 21st, and 28th, where you can find understanding, guidance, and a sense of community. 

Sign up for the series here.

Compassion: The Greatest Gift

Compassion is a powerful gift we can give to ourselves and others, especially during the holidays. Small acts of kindness—like salting a neighbor’s sidewalk, sending a heartfelt note, or expressing gratitude—can make a big difference in someone’s day.

Equally important is offering compassion to yourself. This could mean:

• Declining an invitation to honour your need for rest.
• Reaching out to a long-time friend to nurture connection.
• Allowing yourself to feel mixed emotions like sadness, anger, or nostalgia.

Remember, it’s okay to feel what you feel, even if the world seems to expect happiness. Emotions are complex, and giving yourself permission to experience them is a profound act of self-care.

For more tools to build self-compassion, explore Kristin Neff’s self-compassion practices.

Navigating Relationships and Sobriety

Family dynamics and social gatherings can often add stress during the holidays. Navigating these situations with care and intentionality is crucial for maintaining your well-being. 

The Gottman Institute offers practical advice to handle specific scenarios that might arise. For example:

• How to Navigate Holidays with Your In-Laws:This article offers strategies for managing the sometimes delicate balance of family traditions, expectations, and differing perspectives. It also provides tips on fostering open communication with your partner, setting boundaries when dealing with challenging family dynamics, and finding moments to connect with in-laws in ways that feel authentic. Whether it’s handling sensitive conversations or setting boundaries, the guidance focuses on fostering understanding while honouring your needs.
• How to Survive the Holidays Sober Together: For those navigating sobriety, this resource highlights strategies like planning ahead, enlisting an accountability buddy, creating an exit plan for uncomfortable situations, and finding joy in non-alcoholic rituals. It also shares insights on how to build a supportive environment, ensuring you stay true to your personal goals.

When emotions run high or the season feels overwhelming, taking proactive steps to manage your well-being is key. The holidays don’t have to look one specific way—what matters most is honouring your needs and fostering connections that feel healthy and supportive.

Support is Available: PACT is Here for You

If you or someone you know is in crisis or distress, our Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT) is here to help. PACT operates over the holidays, 365 days a year, from 8:00 am to 12:30 am. This team provides compassionate, trauma-informed mental health crisis support in your home or in community.

Learn more about PACT and how to access it here.

Final Thoughts

The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Whether you’re celebrating with family, finding quiet moments of reflection, or navigating challenges, know that it’s okay to make space for all your emotions. By prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed, you can navigate this season in a way that feels right for you. Remember, you’re never alone—help is always available.

We’re here for you, and together, we can create a season filled with compassion and understanding.

Give the Gift of Support

If you found these resources helpful, if they made you think of a loved one who would resonate with them, or if you’re just looking for a way to help those who may need it most—you can make a tangible, impactful change with a small donation. 

Your contribution allows CMHA NWV to provide low-cost counselling, as well as mental health resiliency and education support groups like Navigating Health-Related Grief and Loss and Coping With Uncertainty. These services are vital in helping individuals facing grief and other mental health challenges build resilience and find hope.  

To make a contribution, please click here to donate. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact. Help us create a transformational change in the lives of those we serve on the North Shore.

Volunteer With Us

At CMHA NWV, we are always looking for compassionate individuals to join our community of volunteers. Your support helps strengthen our mental health services and outreach efforts, creating a more connected and resilient community.

If you’re interested in volunteering or learning more about opportunities, please reach out to Bita Ardakhani at bita.ardakani@cmhanorthshore.ca. 

Together, we can make a difference.