• Why grief intensifies during the holidays: nostalgia, social pressures, and reflections.
• Practical coping strategies:
  • Acknowledge your feelings without judgment.
  • Set boundaries and prioritize self-care.
  • Create new rituals to honor lost loved ones.
  • Allow yourself moments of joy.
  • Reach out for support from friends, family, or professionals.
• The importance of recognizing grief as non-linear.
• Local resources, such as Good Grief in Princeton, NJ, and individual therapy options.

Guest: Abigail Malit, LAC – Licensed therapist at Tree of Life Counseling Center, specializing in working with individuals, couples, and families in long-term recovery from substance use.

Topics Covered:

• Holiday Stressors in Recovery: Common triggers like social pressure, family dynamics, loneliness, and financial strain.
• Mental Health Challenges: How heightened emotions and societal expectations during the holidays can impact mental well-being, particularly for those in recovery.
• Setting Boundaries: Tips for declining invitations or setting limits at events that may be too triggering.
• Strategies for Sobriety:
  • Bring a sober buddy to social gatherings for support.
  • Plan an exit strategy to leave if a situation becomes overwhelming.
  • Create new traditions that support a sober lifestyle, like volunteering or spending time with a supportive community.
• Self-Care Practices: Maintaining routines that help reduce stress, like meditation, exercise, and other wellness activities.

Building a Support Network:

• Connecting with support groups can strengthen recovery and offer understanding peers. Recommended organizations include:
  • Alcoholics Anonymous
  • Narcotics Anonymous
  • SMART Recovery
  • Refuge Recovery
  • National Helpline

Professional Support: If holiday stress feels unmanageable, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for additional support.

About Tree of Life Counseling Center:

• Located in Princeton and Freehold, NJ, Tree of Life Counseling Center offers care from 50+ clinicians. Visit treeoflifecc.org/start-today or call 732-393-8391 for more information.

Key Topics:

- The impact of holiday expectations on mental health

- Tips for prioritizing self-care during the holidays

- Coping strategies for loneliness, including volunteering and virtual gatherings

- Managing financial stress and gift-giving pressures

- Navigating challenging family dynamics and setting boundaries

Join us as we explore how to cultivate mental well-being during this complex time of year. If you or someone you know is struggling, it may be time to reach out for professional support.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

5:45 Holidays as a Child vs. Holidays as an Adult

7:20 Event Planning & Family Dynamics

14:53 Gift-Giving Expectations

17:44 Body Image & The Holidays

22:40 Practical Therapeutic Tips

30:49 LGBT+ Individuals and Family Dynamics

37:19 Conclusion