Holidays Bring Mixed Emotions - A Practical Way to Cope

By Terri Rathbun
It is not unusual to feel as if you are "Bipolar" during the holiday season. Moods can swing from elated to depressed; angry to angrier, happy to angry, depressed to overwhelmed and so on. It's often difficult to pinpoint the exact reasons why we might be feeling this way during this time of year.

It could be related to the weather, life transitions, empty nest, grief and loss, loneliness and sometimes, just because. Instead of trying to "will" the negative feelings away, pretend like they don't exist, criticize yourself for feeling a certain way, or ruminate over why you are feeling this way, try and accept the feelings and recognize that these feelings often pass with time. It is OK to feel uncomfortable and it doesn't mean you need to be "fixed." Yes, there are reasons for feeling like we do, but sometimes giving ourselves permission to just feel and be in the moment without resisting what our body is telling us can bring a degree of relief.

I am not talking about an ongoing clinical depression where you are feeling suicidal, hopeless, or are having severe mood swings related to an actual Bipolar Disorder or another mental illness that is significantly impacting your day to day functioning; sleep and eating patterns. These usually require professional help. However, I am speaking to a seasonal; transient set of emotions that generally pass after a short period of time.www.facebook.com

We are emotional, biological, and physiological beings and sometimes our body sends us signals (sometimes mixed signals) to simply slow down and be in the present; even if that means allowing oneself to experience uncomfortable feelings; without internalizing them or engaging in self criticism or persecutory behaviors. Take Good Care. Holidays Bring Mixed Emotions - A Practical Way to Cope