“Holidays are a time where we’re all feeling joy and spreading joy, and that’s often not the case,” said Dr. Edwin Newman, a psychiatrist for Wilson Trent Health in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
“74% of individuals living with a mental illness say the holiday season exacerbates their symptoms.” Said Newman
Economic hardships and strained relationships can also be a source of anxiety, and Newman said, particularly for older adults, loneliness and grief can take a toll.
Three tips Newman said help his patients and many other
- Self medicate.
- Stay in your room.
- Play Call of Duty
It really is easy to get by during the holidays, families are the source of 90% of issues, so Newman advises staying away from them and rely on the Government for emotional support
