Do You Have "The COVID Holiday Blues (Scrooge-itis)?"
Typically, the annual holiday season is anticipated with hope and joy. Shortly after Halloween, we all begin to prepare for the Holiday season. It starts with the retail ads, picks up speed in the grocery stores, and often consumes the work place and community, then before you know it the tidal wave of “good cheer” has taken over everyday life. Except, due to the impact of COVID-19 and OMICRON, many people don’t feel very cheerful this year. In fact, people may find themselves simultaneously dreading and resenting the holiday season. Some may even begin identifying with Ebeneezer Scrooge, in that they are inexplicably feeling anxious, angry, bitter, sad, resentful, overwhelmed, lonely, and disconnected. The important factor here is to know that these feelings are not “wrong” and are in fact in alignment with “The COVID Holiday Blues” or “COVID induced Scrooge-itis’”. If you, or someone you love, identify with many if not all of these symptoms it does not mean you/they secretly dislike children or the holidays, nor does it mean you will suddenly become miserly, greedy, or mean. What these symptoms may mean is that you, or a loved one, may be struggling with unresolved grief and loss, traumatic grief, anxiety, trauma, a history of abandonment, or symptoms otherwise deemed “The COVID Holiday Blues.” The good news is you, or your loved one, is not ALONE! Thousands of people are feeling the exact same way this year. The importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms associated with “The COVID Holiday Blues” and seeking professional help is the key to successfully coping with the holiday season. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing five (5) or more of the following symptoms seek immediate assistance from a mental health professional in your area, or call the National Crisis Hotline 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255 www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org: 1) Sadness 2) Tearfulness 3) Hopelessness 4) Isolating 5) Unexplained loss of Interest in previously enjoyed hobbies or activities 6) Unexplained loss of appetite 7) Unexplained increase in appetite 8) Unexplained anger/irritability 9) Disrupted Sleep 10) Inability to focus 11) Increased use of alcohol 12) Suicidal Ideation 13) Homicidal Ideation 14) Poor hygiene/lack of desire to bath/brush teeth 15) Increased absences at work or school For more information, or referrals, regarding coping with THE COVID Holiday Blues help is just a phone call away. Call 211, 1-800-854-7771 or visit www.healthycity.org or www.namila.org/crisis-hotlines-hospitals For life threatening emergencies or immediate assistance call 911. Remember, you are not alone! Happy Holidays from All of Us at North Valley Anger Management Consultants! For more information about our anger, stress, and domestic violence programs call 1-888-992-6479 or visit www.nvamc.com.

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