By Dr. Donald Tavakoli
United HealthCare National Medical Director for Behavioral Health
For many, the holiday season is a time filled with celebration and opportunities to connect with loved ones. The same season can also contribute to heightened stress, anxiousness and sad feelings as many people may experience increased mental health challenges during the holidays.
This time of year can be especially difficult for those facing pressures related to navigating complex family relationships. Cultural and social expectations related to gift giving and traditions may also lead to financial strain and alienation for some.
With mental health concerns continuing to rise, access to digital tools and resources can offer help throughout this holiday season and beyond.
While one should use caution about which resource to use for sound information, technology has quickly become an important ally in helping to improve mental health. Digital resources are increasingly accessible and flexible, which may make it easier for individuals to manage their wellness, even when typical routines are disrupted by the unique stresses of the holidays.
Here are a few ways digital capabilities may help:
- Wellness applications can give personalized, self-directed, on-demand resources. Digital platforms such as Calm Health offer on-demand wellness content and tools for individuals with low severity mental health needs and can refer out for higher severity needs. To help someone understand the support they may need, Calm Health offers industry-standard screenings. This type of resource provides personalized programming to help empower people to address stress, anxiety and other challenges commonly faced during the holidays. Many of these tools also have meditation, mindfulness and sleep content that users can access on their own terms to help manage their emotional well-being.
- Virtual behavioral coaching can provide targeted support for holiday stressors. Virtual platforms often offer tailored human support to help address specific situations, pairing users with virtual coaches who can provide helpful tools for managing their thoughts and emotions. Whether navigating challenging family conversations or dealing with heightened anxiety, these digital programs are designed for these common stressors.
- Telehealth can offer convenient access to mental health care. Typically, millions of people travel during the holiday season. Routine activities like exercise, sleep and other routines can get off track, putting some people at risk for depression and anxiety. Connecting with telehealth resources allows individuals to access care from virtually anywhere, to help ensure that support is within reach.
One of the most effective ways to help manage mental health is to take proactive steps before symptoms reach their peak. Now is the perfect time to check in with your primary care provider or therapist to discuss mental health strategies for the season. Additionally, reaching out to your insurance provider to explore the mental health resources available through your plan may provide options for early intervention.
During this busy time of year, please try to remember that prioritizing your mental well-being can help you experience more balance and enjoyment during the holidays.
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