Navigating holidays hardships

The holiday season is drawing near, bringing changes in usual routines and habits. After the stress of finals is over, many students are excited to return home for winter break. It can be a special time for family, friends, and a familiar place.  

Unfortunately, going home can present its own challenges. It is not unusual for college students to find themselves experiencing a range of feelings which might include anxiety, sadness, loneliness, financial worries, and family issues over the holiday break. 

Whether it is adjusting to living at home again or not having anything to do, winter break—a time to recuperate after the past semester— can sometimes feel more overwhelming than school. 

Mental health

Many people experience a worsening of negative mental health symptoms around this time of year for a variety of reasons. If you are in treatment, you can work with your provider on how to best support you. If you are not in treatment or think you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, break allows you time to focus on how you’re feeling, what you might need, and how to plan moving forward. 

Consider trying Togetherall. Togetherall is an anonymous online community where members create a safe space to share how they are feeling and support each other. Support is available for students in need 24/7.

Family strife

You can plan ahead by thinking about what questions or conflicts typically come up and how you might respond (or not respond) to them. Make a list of coping skills that work for you including texting an understanding friend, meditating, or going for a walk. 

A common area of conflict is parents’ reluctance to see their student as an adult who has been living on their own. It may be difficult to transition back to house rules after enjoying the freedom since college began. Parents and students both should communicate openly before break where they stand on this issue.

If you feel something is going to be challenging, plan to do something you enjoy or find relaxing afterwards—this way you can have something to look forward to and a way to deal with any leftover stress.

Wellness

This holiday season introduces a much more complicated risk calculation, with decisions about travel, accommodations, expectations, and the health of family members, especially older parents, grandparents, and relatives.

With COVID-19 cases on the rise in Ohio, asymptomatic testing can provide peace of mind and prevent you from unknowingly bringing the virus to your community, friends, or family. Luckily, OHIO is offering several asymptomatic COVID-19 testing options for those who are preparing for holiday travel.

The most important thing to remember is that this may have been your first full semester back in-person in a while—this break is your time to recuperate from a stressful semester that you may have had. Make time to rest and relax, plan for how to deal with unwanted stress that may arise, and most importantly, indulge in some yummy treats, have fun, and be safe! 

Additional Resources

• If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine. The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org
• RAINN is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization and provides survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones access to support, self-care tools, and information. You can call their support hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or chat online. 
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. You can call at 1-800-273-8255 or use the chat feature.