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Writer's pictureViktoriya Fine

Navigating Mental Health and Substance Use During Thanksgiving: Finding Support Amidst the Holidays

Updated: 4 days ago

The Thanksgiving holiday, a time centered on gratitude and togetherness, can feel very different for those facing mental health challenges or substance use disorders. For some, it brings warmth, tradition, and family connection. For others, it can bring heightened stress, loneliness, and memories that trigger anxiety, depression, or cravings. This season can serve as a reminder of both the joys and the difficulties in life, intensifying the need for support. For those who struggle with a mental health disorder or substance use disorder, it’s essential to prioritize self-care and reach out for professional support.


Tips to Handle Mental Health Challenges Over the Holidays by Adult Family Health Services

The Challenges of Thanksgiving for Mental Health and Recovery


Thanksgiving comes with unique pressures. Social gatherings, whether joyful or tense, can cause anxiety. Family dynamics, often complex and emotionally charged, might stir up painful memories or unresolved conflicts. The holiday’s association with food and drink can be especially challenging for those managing eating disorders or substance use issues.


For those who may be celebrating alone due to distance, family estrangement, or personal choice, feelings of isolation or loneliness can deepen. Seeing others celebrate with family may exacerbate feelings of sadness or despair. All these factors can amplify existing mental health struggles or jeopardize recovery for individuals with substance use disorders.


Why It’s Crucial to Stay Connected to Therapy


During challenging times, it’s easy to push therapy aside, thinking, “I can handle this on my own” or “It’s just one session.” But therapy plays a vital role in maintaining stability, particularly during emotionally charged times like Thanksgiving. Missing sessions can disrupt your progress and leave you feeling less equipped to handle the holiday’s unique stresses.


A qualified mental health professional offers you a safe space to process your emotions, learn healthy coping strategies, and receive nonjudgmental support. They can help you develop personalized tools to manage difficult feelings, prevent relapse, and guide you toward healthier responses to holiday stressors. Consistently attending therapy sessions can also be a way to maintain structure and accountability in an otherwise chaotic time.


Practical Tips for Maintaining Stability This Thanksgiving


Make Therapy Non-Negotiable: Schedule your therapy sessions in advance, and treat them as appointments you cannot miss. Even if it feels challenging to make time, sticking to your therapy can reinforce stability and help you manage potential holiday stress.

Develop a Holiday Coping Plan with Your Therapist: If Thanksgiving tends to be triggering, talk about it with your therapist beforehand. Work together to create a plan with coping mechanisms you can rely on during difficult moments.

Stay Connected, Even If You’re Alone: If you’re spending Thanksgiving by yourself, consider ways to connect with others, whether by scheduling a phone call with a friend, joining an online support group, or attending a community event. Reaching out doesn’t have to be about family; it can be about finding support in any form.

Practice Self-Compassion: Holidays often amplify self-criticism, especially if you’re managing the complexity of mental health or substance use. Remind yourself that you’re doing your best, and don’t hesitate to lean on the skills you’ve learned in therapy.

Know Your Limits and Set Boundaries: Family gatherings can be overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to set boundaries that protect your well-being, whether that means limiting the time you spend at gatherings, avoiding alcohol, or leaving if things become too much.


Remember: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone


The Thanksgiving holiday may present unique challenges, but with the support of a qualified mental health professional and the coping skills you’ve built, you can navigate it in a way that protects your well-being. Therapy provides essential guidance and reassurance, helping you to prioritize yourself during a season that often places emphasis on others.


You deserve to feel supported, safe, and at peace. By committing to your mental health and staying connected to professional support, you’re taking meaningful steps toward a Thanksgiving experience that centers on healing and resilience.


Adult Family Health Services provides a variety of day programs and therapies tailored to address your specific mental health and substance use needs. Contact us or visit our website for more information and to schedule your appointment today.

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