ORLANDO, Fla. — As the holiday season approaches, many people may feel pressure to be cheerful and festive, but for others, the season can be a time of stress, sadness, and anxiety. On this week’s episode of Black Men Sundays, host Corie Murray sat down with Izetta Briggs-Bolling, a licensed clinical social worker, to discuss how to manage mental health during the holidays and offer strategies for navigating this often-challenging time of year.
Bolling emphasized the importance of recognizing that the holidays are not universally joyful. “The first thing we could do is just acknowledge that it’s not always a happy time for everyone,” she explained. “We tend to automatically assume that it is, but not everyone has family, or someone they love, or feels loved in return. It’s crucial to be mindful of this and not make someone feel wrong for their feelings.”
She also stressed the significance of validating people’s emotions, particularly when they express that the holidays are not their happiest time of the year. “If a person expresses that, this is not the happiest time for me of the year, acknowledge that and let that be OK,” she said. “It’s important to give people the space to feel what they’re feeling without judgment.”
Bolling also addressed the potential challenges of the holiday season for individuals who may have painful memories associated with this time of year. “A lot of different things can occur during holiday events that could make the season difficult for those with negative memories attached to it,” she noted. To help these individuals, she suggested focusing on creating new, positive experiences. “One thing you can do is help them recreate events in the future that could be positive or help them build more happy memories going forward,” Bolling advised. At the same time, it’s crucial to allow people the space to share their feelings, including the difficult ones. “Sometimes people want to gloss over those emotions, but it’s important to let that person express what isn’t working for them about the event,” she added.
With over 30 years of experience in a variety of clinical settings, Bolling has focused on the needs of individuals dealing with mental health, substance use, and physical health concerns. Her insights on managing mental health during the holiday season offer a compassionate approach to navigating a time that can be difficult for many.
As the holiday season continues, Bolling’s advice is a reminder that it’s essential to acknowledge everyone’s unique experiences and provide support for those who may be struggling. By doing so, we can foster a more inclusive and understanding environment for everyone.
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