During the holidays, there is a general air of cheer and levity. With Thanksgiving meals and the December holidays right around the corner, there is a focus on happiness. It can get easy to forget that people may not be feeling up to the festivities or may be struggling with depression. In this week’s Virginia Square Plaza Blog, we’ll share with you some ways to be aware of the people around you.
Lend a Hand
During the holidays, the levels of stress can lead to anxiety. Having to prepare food for a large group of people, the idea of having family over, or even the thought of being alone can lead to anxiety. There are varying levels of anxiety, but it can get overwhelming for some. In any case, reach out to your friends and family to lend a hand, whether it’s food preparation, helping clean the house, or performing other chores. Other people’s anxiety may not be very apparent, so if you see someone in need, offer your help. If you are experiencing anxiety, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There will be friends or family that would love to aid you and ease your burden.
Be Conscious of Your Words
The types of conversation you can have with others during the holiday season have a wide range, but there are a few topics of conversation that can be touchy. These are often questions you dread being asked. Be aware of the words you say and the impact they have on other people. If you run into a circumstance where others are saying those things to someone else, intervene and change the subject.
Be a Friend
Most times, people struggling during the holidays won’t show any signs of it. One of the best ways to help is by being a good friend. Be invested in your friend’s lives and be around to listen to them when they reach out to talk to you. If you ever find yourself struggling, try to remember that there are people out there who care about you and you can reach out to them in your times of need.
Mental health is something to be aware of during the holidays. Share with our Arlington, VA apartment community your experiences.