Understanding the causes and recognizing the signs for holiday anxiety
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) -- "There's the constant visual reminders of the seasons changing. We are nearing the end of the year," says Counselor Specialist at Region 12, Jenipher Janek. "Stressors can come in the forms of financial worries about getting through the holidays. It might be past trauma of that individual or maybe a family strain".
Coordinating family visits and travel plans can also cause an increase of stress during the holiday season.
"The biggest concern is the travel, making sure all of our people get here. Even though we're all in Texas, if you're on one side of Texas and you're driving to the other side, it's still like six to eight hours. That's still a super long trip," said Waco Resident, John Barker.
People feel obligated to make the holidays perfect but that can put a lot of pressure on the host.
Hosts often pressure themselves into making sure decorations are perfect, Thanksgiving meals are prepared and family gatherings go on without a hitch.
"It's important to give yourself some grace, to be able to say that if something is not going to be perfect, that you have ways to cope and ways to get help. More than likely, hopefully it will be turning turning out to be okay anyway," Janek said.
The holidays can bring a range of emotions, both happy and sad. For example, the first holiday after a loved one has passed.
"Come together with an intention of celebration, to hopefully be able to relive wonderful memories and the things that made them precious and unique to you so that you're joined by people who care about you and you still get to appreciate the life of the person that is no longer with you," Janek said.
Experts suggest to do what is best for you to stay positive during the holiday season and to maintain good mental health.
"I typically try to stay positive during the holidays. No matter what happens," Barker said. "I try to stay happy and I always keep my family around me. So, I try to find happiness in them".