Does the holiday season have you stressed out? Well, you’re not alone. Here’s what some readers have to say about this time of year.
mrsellen writes:
I can remember about 6 years ago the Saturday before Christmas. I had a huge panic attack while wrapping Christmas presents. While I was wrapping, I was thinking about the shopping I still had to do (grocery), the cleaning I still had to do, etc. I was working full time outside the home at that point. My attack was so bad the wrappings had to stay on the floor overnight -- my husband had to help me off the floor and into bed and just hold both my hands because I felt like I was going to die and fall on the floor.
becky24343 writes:
The worst part of the holidays is having to go to get-togethers, maybe to have to sleep over at a relative's home, or to host other people in my home. I know that sounds horrid, and I hope you all won't think I'm a monster. I've always loved my family, and I never missed a holiday, no matter how awful I felt because I couldn't disappoint my parents.
LeslieJean72 writes:
One other thing I do not like is the idea that everyone seems to want a piece of me over the holidays. And they all seem offended if you can't make it to "their" gathering. While Christmas is indeed an important date on the Christian calendar, there are 364 other days that I can get together with friends and family.
Psr1717 I writes:
The most stressful part of the holidays for me is that everything is busy. Grocery stores, malls, roads, restaurants, anything at all have extra guests this time of year. This really frustrates someone like me who tries to avoid the crowds whenever possible, and really can't stand in line without feeling very nervous.
The very nature of panic disorder can make this time of year especially difficult. So, how can you make this time of year easier? There’s no better advice than from those who really know what you’re going through. Here are some great reader tips for a less stressful holiday season:
- Simplify Your Tasks
No more baking from scratch – I buy the Pillsbury mixes. –mrsellen
Shopping is hard, too, of course, but I have never liked to shop my whole life, so I've always been an "orderer" from catalogs and now the internet. –becky24343
- Let Go of the Pressure to be Perfect
Who says the house has to be decorated? Who says the Christmas cards have to be sent prior to Dec. 25? Who says you have to have a tree? Who says you have to give gifts to everyone from your spouse to your hairdresser? Let yourself be "okay" with your situation. –LeslieJean72
- Think of Others
Even though I think money is tight for everyone at the holiday season -- I also buy for an angel gift tree -- last year I picked an elderly man to get gifts for and took time to think about him on Christmas morning, hoping he enjoyed the gifts we picked out for him. –mrsellen
- Remember to Have Fun
I love to decorate my house and listen to Christmas music and watch my favorite holiday shows. I always stand out and watch our little hometown Christmas parade! And, I love to drive around and look at other people's decorations. I just try to enjoy the fun parts and not stress too much about the hard parts! –becky24343
I love Christmas lights, and I will just sit and look at neighbor’s Christmas lights and just enjoy them. I buy special treats of eggnog and pumpkin spice coffee that is available during the holiday season and just carve out some time to sit with a cup and just enjoy lights and sounds of Christmas.—mrsellen
