Sweetser News & Events

Sweetser reminds Mainers and their loved ones how to best handle the holiday blues

Posted on 12/13/2007 at 07:40 am

Sweetser, Maine’s most comprehensive mental health network, today issued a reminder for Mainers to be on alert for the “holiday blues” and issued tips on how to prevent and handle this seasonal form of frustration and sadness.

“While this is a joyous time of year for many, we also must remember that for many of Maine’s adults and children, this can be an especially difficult time of year,” said Carl Pendleton, president and CEO of Sweetser. “As such, we are distributing tips on how to prevent and treat the blues, so we can help Mainers have a happier holiday season.”

Holiday blues can range from mild sadness during the holidays to severe and debilitating depression, particularly for those folks who are struggling with a mental illness, a recent loss or long-term, unresolved relationship issues. Symptoms of holiday blues include lack of interest in the excitement and anticipation others are expressing, trouble sleeping , and general feelings of sadness or emptiness. Anxiety, due to the demands of holiday spending, attending holiday focused events, or being alone, can also occur.

According to Sweetser’s Director of PromiseLine Services, Donna Mrowka, LCSW, the most important thing to do to prevent and manage the holiday blues is to not allow the stress to alter our basic routine. Whether it be for us as adults or for families with children it is important to continue to eat right, get plenty of rest, exercise and recognize and enjoy the importance of spending time together.

“We need to remind ourselves and our loved ones of the basic tenets of taking care of ourselves,” said Ms. Mrowka. “That also means avoiding unnecessary stress by trying to set realistic holiday related goals, limiting both over eating as well as over drinking, and when there are too many errands to run or gifts to wrap ,asking for help. For folks who feel or believe there is no help for their needs they can call the Sweetser PromiseLine. The “Promise” is that we do whatever it takes to connect adults and children to the mental health treatment and related support they need and deserve. The PromiseLine is your first call for a better tomorrow.”

Nationally recognized and accredited, Sweetser has nearly 200 years of experience in mental health serving adults and children statewide. Sweetser is a non-profit organization serving approximately 20,000 adults and children throughout Maine. Sweetser relies on state funding as well as the generosity of donors to fund its programs.

For access to mental health services, please call the Sweetser PromiseLine at 1-800-434-3000.

Sweetser Tips for Holiday Blues

• Take care of yourself -- eat well, get plenty of rest and exercise.
• Set realistic goals and expectations. Setting yourself up for “this will be the best holiday ever” may only increase letdown.
• Avoid or decrease alcohol consumption.
• Try not to spread yourself too thin.
• Do something for someone else -- volunteering and helping others can often make the “giver” feel great.
• Know your spending and time limits, and stick to them.