This episode begins by normalizing difficulties over the holidays by sharing national statistics that demonstrate the commonness of this experience.  Supporting patients with concerns over the holidays can be a challenge, in part because of the difficulties themselves and also because of the strong tendency to isolate these concerns at this time. 

Brenda then considers how nature operates during this time of winter as a helpful example for supporting these experiences.

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References: 

American Psychiatric Association

https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/americans-more-anxious-about-the-holidays

American Psychological Association

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/11/holiday-season-stress

National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI)

https://www.nami.org/press-releases/mental-health-and-the-holiday-blues/

https://www.nami.org/blog-post/surviving-painful-holiday-emotions/

https://www.nami.org/from-the-ceo/the-most-difficult-time-of-the-year-mental-health-during-the-holidays/

Old Farmer’s Almanac (information about the Winter Solstice):

https://www.almanac.com/content/first-day-winter-winter-solstice#:~:text=The%20first%20day%20of%20winter%20in%20the,December%2021%2C%202025%2C%20at%2010:03%20AM%20(EST).