23 Best Ideas to Take Care of Your Loved Ones Who Are Feeling Stressed, Anxious, Depressed and Grieving this Christmas
Christmas and New Year are often associated with excitement and joy but it can also be a difficult time, straining us mentally, emotionally, physically and financially. There are many reasons why this time of year can be challenging.
It can also bring up some difficult emotional experiences, such as trauma and grief.
It’s okay if you’re not feeling full of joy during the festive season.
Respecting your feelings is the most important thing you can do for yourself.
Why mental health matters
If a loved one on your Christmas list lives with a mental health condition, this is a pretty important factor to consider when shopping for them this year (this person can also be yourself).
After all, a survey by the Mental Health UK revealed that 80% of people related that mental health symptoms get worse over the festive period, while nearly three-quarters said the season made them feel more lonely – even when they’re surrounded by family and friends.
Factors like financial strain, loneliness, added pressure, and inability to be with loved ones are all illuminated during december, making this time of year difficult for those with mental health disorders.
So, self-care Christmas gifts can make a significant difference for a person who struggles with mental illness.
And to help to take care of the mental health of loved ones around you, and especially yourself, I have prepared some gift ideas to light up your Christmas.
MENTAL HEALTH GIFT IDEAS FOR SOMEONE FEELING STRESSED
Stress, burnout and exhaustion are far too common in every day life and it's in times like these when self-care becomes extra important.
If you or a loved one tend to overwork, find difficult to relax, feel irritability, anger, high level of judgment, overwhelmed, feeling like living on the edge, these are signs that this person is suffering from stress and gifts that promote relaxation are very important.
gift card for a cooling, soft and moderate touch such as Ayurvedic massage called Abhyanga
gift card for a sound healing session with cooling and soft music like the sound of flutes, sound of water
aromatherapy diffuser and pure essential oils. The best options are : rose, lemon grass, lotus, lavender, lily, gardenia, vetivert.
one month membership yoga
a soft piece of clothing in calming color like white, blue and/or green
ceramic, painting or carpentry/woodworking class gift card
prepare a card with lovely words, offering quality time to enjoy nature - walking among flowers, along the river, lake or on the beach; walking at night, gazing at the night sky, moon and stars.
MENTAL HEALTH GIFT IDEAS FOR SOMEONE FEELING DEPRESSED and/or GRIEVING
Lethargy, tiredness, unmotivated, discouragement, excess sleep, tends to overeat for emotional comfort, greedy, excessive lazyness. feeling life is too hard to bear. These are signs that someone can be suffering from depressive symptoms and here are gift ideas to help releasing attachment, clinging, promoting selfless love and cultivate wakefulness.
gift card for a dance class
ticket for a concert with strong and energizing music
gift card for a strong and deep body massage, such as traditional Thai massage
practice detachment! prepare a beautiful box with your belongings that you want to let go of and donate to someone
Philips hue smart light to help to wake up
poetry book
physically showing up for someone reminds them they are loved and not as alone as they may think, is the most important. Make a plan to cook together, clean the house, organize closets, listen to music, just being together. Prepare a card and write how important the person is for you.
MENTAL HEALTH GIFT IDEAS FOR SOMEONE FEELING ANXIOUS
Fear, insecurity, inability to focus, self-destructive behavior, self criticism, confusion, excessive guilt, insomnia, nervousness, excess of worry can be signs of anxiety. Gifts that promote grounding, relaxation and calmness are the best options.
weighted blanked
meditation class gift card
journal notebook
natural silk eye mask or a weighted eye mask
Hatha yoga or tai chi class gift card
organic chamomile tea and a beautiful glass tea mug
a plant to make the house greener
hot water bag/bottle with soft cover to keep the feet warm
a box full of ingredients for a homemade foot spa (epsom salt and organic essential oil like jasmine, rose, sandalwood, eucalyptus)
Symptoms/signs can be mixed, so feel free to mix ideas. Someone with a high level of stress may also be feeling depressed. Someone who is feeling anxious may also be going through a grieving process, for example.
Each person expresses their pain in a unique and specific way and receiving gift in a specific and unique way is very special.
Be there for your loved ones during the festive season. Offering emotional support and understanding strengthens your bond.
We can always be someone's light.
Especially during this holiday season, I want you to know that I am here for you.
The festivities can sometimes bring a mix of emotions, and it's okay to reach out for support when needed.
Remember that seeking support is a sign of strength, and I am here to assist you on your journey towards mental well-being.
Wishing you a peaceful holiday season. If there's anything you'd like to share or discuss, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Take care,
Angela
main references:
Pole, S. Ayurvedic Medicine
Frawley, D. Dr. Ayurveda and the mind
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