I started off this post with the title “Mental floff Mondays”. My brain is fried after the long year. I’m sure many would agree that it’s time for a break.
But is the holiday season really a break for those of us who suffer from things like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses?
I know my anxiety levels spike during this time, ESPECIALLY on Christmas day and when visiting people. I have three busy boys, so I know every year will be hectic until I’m 50 and they’re out of the house.
I’ve looked for some great advice on the web about anxiety during this busy season and I hope you find it helpful. Just click on the links!
How to Keep Calm and Carry on During the Holidays
Stress, depression and the holidays: Tips for coping
(Long read) 20 Ways to Deal with Holiday Anxiety
Find Your Holiday Happiness: Manage Anxiety and Depression
And a general coping guide from psychentral
Lastly, here’s a funny but oh-so-true post from one of the South African bloggers on our bloggers roll, Caffeine and Fairy Dust about moms being completely drained end of the year and comparing themselves to others. She helps out by giving you tips on how to filter the mess. This has almost nothing to do with anxiety, but it was such a great post, I just couldn’t let it go.
She says “I don’t know why, but I crave the validation. I easily fall prey to the seduction of other people’s partial truths and heavily filtered photos, making everything look amazing. And their amazing looking lives make me feel not so amazing. Let’s choose to see the truth. Let’s stop comparing. Comparison is the thief of joy !”
-Yve
Our Lived Experience 
Have SA schools closed yet? I have three children, and three different break up days! One on Thursday, one on Wed next week, and one on Friday next week! So many dates to remember! *sigh* I’m ready for no more making lunches for 6 weeks, but I’m not sure how ready I am for six weeks of no “me” time!
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I’d need to schedule my life if I had that many dates to remember… Geez. Good luck to you!
“me” time is how one stays “sane” apparently. So, uhm, make sure you have your emergency stash of anxiety pills close by ;)
Read this: https://ourlivedexperience.wordpress.com/2015/10/13/coming-back-to-life-part-1/
That mom didn’t have any “me” time and it led to some horrific stuff.
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Oh yes! I remember reading that one! Shew! I can so relate! Going to doc tomorrow and placing my order for anxiety meds! Ima need ’em!
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That’s on my to-do’s for the day as well. Cheers to that!
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And I believe schools have closed.
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