With the holiday season in full swing, many people are juggling busy schedules and preparing for celebrations with family and friends. But for some, this time of year is fraught with anxiety and stress, which can be compounded by pressure and unrealistic expectations.
To help students, faculty and staff navigate the holidays, A&M-San Antonio Professor Dr. Stephen Lenz of the University’s Department of Counseling, Health and Kinesiology, offers advice about how to make the best of this time of year.
Tis the season for empathy
It’s really important to remember that not everybody experiences holidays in the same way. For some of us, we're thinking about Christmas lights, special meals with family, and taking a break from work and other obligations. But for other people, the holiday season may amplify a sense of loneliness or grief over someone they’ve lost. It’s helpful to have a sense of empathy and remember that the holidays mean a lot of different things to different people.
Set realistic expectations
The holiday season is filled with joy and connections, but it’s also filled with a lot of expectations, which brings pressure and stress. And then you overlay that with the financial stress that a lot of people experience during the holidays, along with family dynamics and time management, and those things can really ramp up your level of anxiety. It’s important to have realistic expectations during this time and not overload yourself with too many obligations. Try to find a healthy balance.
Comparison is the thief of joy
There's this temptation to get lost in social media and scroll through people’s feeds where it looks like everyone is having the perfect holiday. You should avoid that, and instead take time to practice gratitude and focus on what is important, including the people that we’re fortunate to have time with in this life. Reflecting on what we're thankful for and cultivating that sense of positivity can go a long way.
Reach out if you need help
On top of all the holiday stress, it’s also finals. At this point in the academic term, students are deep into this commitment that they've made for academic growth and professionalization, which is on top of all the other pressure they have going on. During this time, faculty and staff have a heightened sensitivity for students who could potentially use some additional support. This is a good time to reach out if you need help and make sure you’re taking care of yourself.
Lenz is spearheading an innovative project to address the behavioral and mental health disparities in South Bexar County. The South Bexar County Mental Health Awareness Project focuses on training primary, secondary, and higher education personnel to recognize and assess symptoms of mental health challenges. They’re also equipped with the tools and resources necessary to refer those struggling with mental illness to the next level of support. “The project is grounded in the idea that you don't have to be a mental health professional to make a mental health difference in the lives of others,” said Lenz.
University Resources
The Student Counseling Center is a welcoming space with licensed and professionally trained staff who offer free and confidential mental health services to students, including one-on-one sessions, group therapy, and walk-in services for urgent situations. “While the holidays can be a joyous time of year, they can also be busy and overwhelming,” said Joanna Vela, director of the center. “Relationship strain, family distress, or feelings of grief and loss may also increase during the holidays. If you’re a student at TAMUSA, don’t hesitate to reach out.”
The University also has many Student Organizations that help students stay active and connected, which is particularly important during the holidays.
A&M-San Antonio wishes everyone a happy holiday season and continued joy and success in the new year.