The holiday season may be joyous occasion for some people, but what is not always talked about is how the holiday season can also be a reminder of previous traumas (emotional, physical, sexual), how it may bring a lot of tension due to family disconnect, or be a reminder of someone or something that you have loss. Sometimes feeling forced to participate in family events is challenging and can bring up a lot of guilt and pain. During this season, finding ways to cope in a healthy way and knowing how to keep yourself safe is key! Here are some things you can do to take care of yourself as you cope during the holiday season.Identifying TriggersKnow what your triggers are! If you are going to someone’s house that reminds you of the trauma, then know it’s okay to not go or take someone you trust and feel safe around to go with you. Whether that person is your partner, other family members or friends, having a support system physically present with you will help you manage the anxiety and stress that comes from the trigger. Stress responses: When you are triggered, know what your responses are. Are you more likely to shut down and sit quietly in the corner? Are you more likely to snap at others and become irritated? Do you get tired? Do you get a headache? Does your mind race with negative self-talk? Knowing what your body and mind do in response to triggers is how you know how to manage and know that you are doing something that is helpful for you! Everyone is different and experimenting with different coping skills to manage these responses is something that will take some time. Coping mechanisms:
If you have experienced a trauma in your life that makes the holiday season and other special occasions difficult to handle, I encourage you to reach out and speak with someone to help you manage your triggers and stress responses. There is no need to go through moments like this in your life and feel pain, anguish, stress, and anxiety. There is a way to deal with this and know you are not alone. By: Priscilla Rodriguez, M.S., LMFTI work with many couples and individuals how have experienced some type of trauma in their upbringing or may have experienced some tension between family members. Understanding where this stems from and how to cope is your key to feeling comfortable during the holiday season. Feel free to contact me if you would like to find solutions on how to cope during the holidays. I am licensed in the state of Texas and offer services both online an in-person.
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From Priscilla:I'm happy that you have found your way here, you will find information to help you gain insight on yourself and your relationship. Know that the information provided here is not a substitute for therapy. I specialize in working with couples and individuals who are pursuing to improve their relationships. Feel free to give me a call or send me an email for your free consultation. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to receive other tips and advice on connecting with others and enhancing your life. Archives
February 2021
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