Mental Health

Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration, but for many people, it can also bring stress, loneliness, and emotional exhaustion. Expectations around family, finances, and social gatherings may heighten anxiety or sadness, and the contrast between festive surroundings and personal struggles can deepen feelings of isolation. Prioritizing mental health during the holidays is essential to maintain balance, manage stress, and create space for genuine connection and rest. Acknowledge Your Feelings It’s important to remember that it is okay to feel unhappy, anxious, or overwhelmed during the holidays. Suppressing difficult emotions can make them stronger over time. Instead, acknowledge what you are feeling without judgment. A 2020 study published in Emotion found that emotional acceptance—allowing yourself to experience feelings as they arise—reduces long-term distress and supports emotional regulation. …

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Emotional resilience is the ability to adapt, recover, and even grow in the face of adversity. It does not mean avoiding stress or never feeling overwhelmed, but rather cultivating the capacity to navigate challenges in a healthier and more balanced way. Building resilience is essential for mental health, as it reduces vulnerability to depression, anxiety, and burnout while improving overall well-being. Fortunately, resilience is not a fixed trait—it can be developed through intentional practices and supportive environments. Understanding Emotional Resilience Resilience involves the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. People with higher resilience are better able to regulate emotions, maintain perspective, and access coping skills during difficult times. According to research in the Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, resilience is shaped by both genetic predispositions and learned behaviors. This means that even if …

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry A mental health crisis can develop suddenly, but more often it builds over time as symptoms intensify and coping resources become overwhelmed. Recognizing early warning signs can make a critical difference in getting help before the situation escalates. Awareness of these signs—both in yourself and in others—can allow for timely intervention, potentially preventing hospitalization, severe distress, or harm. Understanding What Constitutes a Mental Health Crisis A mental health crisis occurs when a person’s emotional or psychological state prevents them from functioning safely and effectively in daily life. This may involve thoughts of self-harm, severe mood swings, inability to care for oneself, or losing touch with reality. While crises can occur in the context of many mental health conditions, they are often linked to untreated or worsening depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, substance use disorders, or …

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