Memorial Psychologists Offer Tips for Getting More Joy from the Holiday Season
Caring for the Caregivers
For the more than 9,000 employees of Memorial Healthcare System, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help. At no cost to employees and their families, EAP offers confidential services to assist with on-the-job and/or personal problems year-round. EAP also can provide support for specific holiday-related concerns, such as anxiety, depression, stress, and family and relationship issues. Problems are most easily resolved when they are promptly identified, properly diagnosed and appropriately treated.
The EAP has offices at 821 South Douglas Road in Pembroke Pines and 3400 North 29th Avenue in Hollywood.
For appointments, questions or further information, please call the EAP Hotline at
(954) 985-6132 or contact Dr.Esther Fernandez-Keroff at (954) 965-6408 extension 220.
November 2005 — Although most people think of the holiday season as a time of celebration and special gatherings with friends and family, for many it is a season for self-evaluation, loneliness and anxiety.
According to the National Mental Health Association, many factors can bring about the “holiday blues.” These include:
- Stress and fatigue from holiday preparations
- Unrealistic expectations about gifts and the fun that “should” be had at holiday events
- Financial concerns related to gift-buying
- Over-commercialization of the holidays, making it difficult to “escape” from the season
- Isolation for those unable to spend time with family and friends
Holiday Tensions
The demands of shopping, parties, family reunions and houseguests also can contribute to increased tension. Additional difficulties may arise as one tried to balance work and normal family activities, or when a member of the family has to work during the holidays and miss out on the festivities.
According to Esther Fernandez-Keroff, PsyD, LMHC, Director of the Memorial Healthcare System Employee Assistance Program (EAP), people who do not become depressed may develop other stress responses, such as headaches, excessive drinking, overeating and difficulty sleeping. A greater number of people experience post-holiday letdown after January 1. This may be due to disappointments during the preceding months, compounded by excessive fatigue and increased stress.
Simple De-Stressers
For those looking for simple ways to ease holiday stress, Dr. Fernandez-Keroff has some suggestions. “First, don’t get consumed by the consumerism of the season; remind yourself of the true meaning of the holidays. If you enjoy buying gifts, start early to avoid the last-minute overload. If finances are a concern, consider making, baking or growing your gifts. For holiday parties and gatherings, suggest ‘pot luck’ meals instead of ‘do it all yourself’ events.”
“Finally, find time to laugh,” she says. “There is nothing better to combat stress than laughter, so be merry and have a happy holiday season!"
Lifestyle Modifications
Judith Marquit, PhD, psychologist on staff at Memorial Regional Hospital and Memorial Hospital West, has some additional ideas for improving your mood during stressful times like the holidays. In addition to speaking with a therapist, she encourages patients to:
- Exercise — Physical fitness reduces anxiety and depression while restoring a sense of well-being. A combination of cardiovascular exercise and weight-bearing activity three to four times a week is recommended.
- Take Time for Yourself Every Day — Enjoy a bubble bath, go for a walk, meditate or read a book. Even if it’s just 15 minutes, the time spent alone is invaluable.
- Develop and Maintain a Support System — Depression usually starts with family pressures. Sometimes, friends can be the best therapists.
- Let Others Know What You Need — Express your need for support or special time alone. Only when others know what you need can they give it to you.
- Set Realistic Goals for Yourself — Don’t pressure yourself to make this “the best holiday ever.” Create a list of the most meaningful activities, then organize your time to do what is realistically possible and most rewarding.
If you are concerned about stress and other emotional issues and would like a referral to a physician or psychologist, please call Memorial Physician Referral Service toll-free at (800) 944-DOCS. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.