TIPS FOR COPING

WITH THE HOLIDAYS

v     Stay Close To Family And Friends Who Understand Your Illness.

v     Take Medications As Prescribed

v     Celebrate The Holidays In A Way That Is Comfortable For You.

v     The Holiday Season Does Not Stop Feelings Of Sadness And Loneliness. Give Yourself Permission To Work Through These Feelings.

v     Don’t Compare This Season With Previous Ones. Enjoy The Little Things You Have Now.

v     Talk About The Stress You Feel With Family And Friends.

v     Keep Expectations Manageable. Plan Your Work And Work Your Plan.

v     Set A Budget And Stick With It. Many Items That You Can Give Do Not Cost Money. A Phone Call To A Friend May Mean More.

v     Do Something Nice For Someone Else.

v     Put Away Holiday Cards.

v     Stay Out Of Department Stores

v     Play Favorite Non-Holiday Music

v     For The New Year Celebrate In A Way That Is Comfortable For You.

v     Stay Away From Large Parties If You Feel That The Celebration Is False.

v     Surround Yourself With Close Friends Who Understand You Feelings About The New Year.

v     Try To Reflect On Positive Thoughts From The Previous Year

v     Try To Build On Them

v     Do Not Dwell On The Negative

Remember That The Holiday Season Does Not Banish All Reasons For Feeling Sad And Lonely.

v     Do Not Dwell On Past Loses

v     Work Through Unresolved Grief

v     Work On Contrast Between The Past And Present

v     Try Not To Feel Disappointment With How You Are Feeling. There Is A Contrast Between The Holiday Image And The Reality Of One’s Life.

v     Don’t Accept The Role Of Victim. Get Out Of The House. Enjoy The Sunshine And Fresh Air.

v     Remember Celebrations Are What You Make Them And Make Them Comfortable For You.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!