Early Psychosis Care Center Newsletter

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Or at least, that’s what we all hear from seasonal songs and movies. While the holidays can be filled with cheer, joy, and wonderment, for many it brings stress, anxiety, and grief. A survey from the National Alliance on Mental Illness found that 64 percent of people with a diagnosed behavioral health illness report that the holidays worsen their symptoms and condition. While it’s important to prepare for holiday fun and festivities, it’s equally important to establish some holiday-specific coping skills and recovery and relapse-prevention strategies.

If you are in recovery from substance use disorders, the holidays can bring on a particularly unique kind of stress. For some, the presence of freely flowing alcohol at holiday parties or gatherings can be a stressor. For others, interacting with family members can lead to uncomfortable feelings an potentially threaten sobriety. In order to keep recovery at the forefront, have a plan for when prompting events arise. Bring a sober friend or skip gatherings with alcohol all together if needed. Also, don’t forget to check in with others who are in recovery during the holiday season.

For many families, schizophrenia is a challenge at any time of year. For someone trying to manage schizophrenia episodes and symptoms, the holidays present so many activating events to derail recovery. Stress can be most damaging to those living with schizophrenia. It leads to the production of cortisol, which in turn, can cause episodes of schizophrenia. Families can work together to limit stress, manage and minimize symptoms, and keep everyone happy and healthy.