December can be hectic and overwhelming. It sometimes has a way of draining our energy when we are supposed to be enjoying the holiday and relaxing. During the holidays, we sometimes forget what it is all about, and even though that is okay, we need to remind ourselves what the holidays are for. The holidays are a time for spending time with loved ones or simply relaxing and enjoying the festivities. This year, it's time to remember what you are thankful for the most. Remembering what you are grateful for can be a gentle and joyful practice to boost your holiday mental health, reduce stress, and help you feel more grounded throughout the season. No matter what you are grateful for, no matter how big or small, it is important to remind yourself of it and cherish it. Try the December Gratitude Challenge, a daily reminder of what you are grateful for.

The holiday season is often painted as the most wonderful time of the year. For many, it is also one of the most stressful and emotionally demanding times. Between financial pressures, family dynamics, social expectations, and memories of lost loved ones, the holidays can take a real toll on mental health. If you have ever felt overwhelmed when everyone else seems cheerful, you are not alone. There are ways to protect your mental well-being and create a holiday season that feels peaceful, genuine, and kind to you.

Many children and teens face traumatic experiences, whether that be abuse, neglect, loss, violence, or other distressing events. When these experiences begin affecting their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, it is important to provide the right support. That is where TF-CBT, or Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, comes in. 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) was developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987 to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which can occur following a traumatic event. EMDR utilizes the body’s natural healing process by mimicking eye movements that naturally occur in REM sleep. The therapist mimics the eye movements occurring in REM sleep by leading the client through a sequence of back-and-forth eye movements, or bilateral stimulation. Other forms of bilateral stimulation include tapping back-and-forth, or audio bouncing from one ear to the other. The sequencing is short, and the client is asked to report back on the experience between each set of bilateral stimulation. With the repeated sets of bilateral stimulation, the traumatic memory tends to neutralize, and the painful impact lessens. EMDR therapy works in themes, therefore associated memories may also heal at the same time. EMDR therapy reprocesses memories quickly, with clients seeing a reduction in their disturbance level in just one or two sessions (British Columbia Trauma Services, n.d.).

Navigating sobriety and mental health challenges can feel overwhelming; it can feel like there is a weight on your shoulders. No matter where you are in your sobriety or mental health journey, discovering healthy outlets for your emotions can make all the difference. Journaling is a simple but powerful way to reconnect with yourself and stay motivated as you move forward in your recovery and any other goals you're focusing on.

As a caregiver, watching your child struggle with anxiety can be heartbreaking. You want to take their pain away and see them thrive. While you can’t always get rid of their anxiety, your support can make a world of difference in how your child copes and grows. The following is a guide on how to support your child through their anxiety without trying to “fix” them, but by helping them feel safe, seen, and understood.