The holiday season is a time of joy, love, and cheer. But for some people, the holidays can be a tough time. There are high expectations surrounding the holiday season, and sometimes those expectations can lead to disappointment. This can be especially true if you're dealing with mental health issues like depression or anxiety. In this blog post, we'll explore how high expectations can affect mental health during the holidays and offer some tips on how to manage those expectations.

This time of year is when people are expected to be happy, festive, and full of cheer. But what happens when those expectations aren't met? Disappointment. And for people who are struggling with mental health issues like depression or anxiety, that disappointment can be even harder to deal with.

The pressure to have a "perfect" holiday season can be overwhelming. There's pressure to spend time with family, buy the perfect gifts, decorate the perfect tree, and so on. And if things don't go as planned, it can be easy to feel like you've failed. That sense of failure can lead to negative feelings and make it even harder to enjoy the holiday season.

So how can you manage your expectations and avoid being disappointed during the holidays? Here are a few tips:

Make a list of things that are important to you and try not to stress about the rest
Focus on quality over quantity when it comes to gift giving
Remember that your family is imperfect and that's okay
Take some time for yourself during the holidays and do things that make you happy
Talk to someone if you're feeling overwhelmed or down

The holiday season is a time for joy and happiness, but it can also be a time of stress and disappointment. By managing your expectations and taking care of yourself, you can make sure that the holidays are a happy and enjoyable time for you and your loved ones.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or down this holiday season, remember that you're not alone. Talk to someone if you need help managing your expectations or dealing with your emotions. And most importantly, focus on what's important to you and try not to stress about the rest. Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday season!

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place