Mental Health Tips for Navigating Holiday Gatherings [2024 Repost]

[00:00:34] Hello and welcome to MoMo634, Motivational Moments just for today.

[00:00:43] This may be the most unusual episode I've done to date, but I rarely hear anyone address this

[00:00:51] in the context of all the celebrations that occur during the month of December.

[00:00:55] Here's a list of mental health conditions that could be activated or exacerbated by

[00:01:04] the numerous office parties, company events, and holiday gatherings this time of year.

[00:01:12] Germophobia For those with certain OCD subtypes and other

[00:01:18] conditions, shaking hands and or hugging presents an issue. Given the recent pandemic, those of us

[00:01:27] with this issue aren't such outliers, however it can still be quite anxiety producing.

[00:01:34] I do carry a hand sanitizer spray made with essential oils known for their antimicrobial

[00:01:42] and antibacterial properties. There are also some that are pre-made that you can purchase.

[00:01:49] I'll link some of these oils, recipes, and other resources with this episode at Substack.

[00:01:55] I love it because not only does it address the germophobia, but it has since known to support mood issues.

[00:02:04] It's not exposure response therapy or ERT, which supposedly is the gold standard for OCD,

[00:02:12] because I'm not a clinician, but it does work for me.

[00:02:18] For introverts, those with social anxiety or people with claustrophobia, some events are just

[00:02:27] too people-y. I don't know the name for that, but that's the situation that some people find themselves in.

[00:02:35] It's just too people-y. After almost 34 years of marriage, Hubby and I have a finely honed

[00:02:42] nonverbal communication system. He knows when I've met my people quotient, and I know when he's ready to leave as well.

[00:02:51] Working this out in advance with the people you plan to attend events with or coming up with a signal

[00:02:57] can be helpful if you don't have the advanced telepathy my husband and I do.

[00:03:05] Excessive noise. My ears start to shut down every night around 8 30 p.m.

[00:03:13] If you are like me, see if there are quieter areas of the party or venue.

[00:03:20] Otherwise, take breaks to go to the restroom or outside if it's safe to do so.

[00:03:28] Misophonia is defined as being disturbed when people chew loudly or being attuned to hearing it

[00:03:36] when others don't seem to notice. Holding your hands over your ears for the misophonia is probably

[00:03:44] pretty rude and won't endear you to many, so maybe increasing your personal boundaries a bit and

[00:03:52] trying to move a step or two further away from those making noises that set your ears off can help.

[00:04:01] But how about even leaving your home to go to these events to begin with?

[00:04:07] Agoraphobia is often characterized as fear of leaving your home, but it's a little broader than that.

[00:04:15] The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition, or DSM-5, sets forth the criteria for a number of conditions,

[00:04:26] and it categorizes agoraphobia in this way.

[00:04:30] A marked fear or anxiety about two or more of the following five situations.

[00:04:37] Using public transportation.

[00:04:40] Being in open spaces.

[00:04:42] Being in enclosed spaces.

[00:04:45] E.g. shops, theaters, cinemas.

[00:04:49] Standing in line or being in a crowd.

[00:04:53] Being outside the home alone.

[00:04:57] Now again, I'm not a clinician, and as somebody with a diagnosed anxiety-based condition,

[00:05:03] I struggle with some of the examples I've listed in this episode.

[00:05:08] Pray before each event and remember this verse from Psalm 94, 19.

[00:05:17] When anxiety overwhelms me, your consolation delights my soul.

[00:05:26] Perhaps commit it to memory, and when you're feeling overwhelmed, just repeat it.

[00:05:32] Our meme for today says, you can be gracious and set boundaries.

[00:05:39] Many of us struggle this time of year.

[00:05:42] There are a number of episodes that you can go back to and listen that talk about some of these issues.

[00:05:48] Don't let anyone make you feel less than.

[00:05:53] It's okay to prioritize your mental health.

[00:05:58] Just showing up for a little while is a huge win.

[00:06:02] You are not alone.

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[00:06:12] You can get the companion meme daily at momo634.substack.com.

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[00:06:32] Momo634 is also on major podcast platforms and on social media.

[00:06:37] See the tab at momo634.substack.com.

[00:06:43] Thank you for listening to Momo 634.

[00:06:47] Motivational moments just for today.