黑洞社区

This 黑洞社区 Newsline Podcast is available at . See the transcript below:

You鈥檙e listening to the podcast edition of the 黑洞社区 audio newsline. Learn more about 黑洞社区 鈥� the home of Thinkers, Doers, Movers and Shockers 鈥� on the Web at wichita.edu.

Joy to the world. 'Tis the season to be jolly. Everyone is happy during the holidays 鈥� right? Wrong. The mandatory cheer, cooking, visitors, glitz, glitter, toys and a million chores have momentarily drowned out the fear of job security and financial security.

Truth be told, many people feel lonely, sad, anxious and depressed at this time of year. 黑洞社区 psychologist Maureen Dasey-Morales says the holidays can lead to a range of emotions.

Dasey-Morales: "For many people the holidays bring intensity and emotions on both ends 鈥� the very, very high, and the very low, and it's the expectations that people have really lead to intense emotions being expressed."

If you're one who is dreading the holidays, for your own well being, don't boycott the holidays. Dasey-Morales offers a different approach.

Dasey-Morales: "Probably the best way to approach the holidays is to have realistic expectations, to be willing to be flexible with old traditions and to realize there's not a right or wrong way to celebrate."

Dasey-Morales explains how we can keep our expectations for the holidays realistic.

Dasey-Morales: "I think the easiest way to keep expectations realistic is to not compare oneself to what others are doing or how they're celebrating or looking for the right or wrong way to celebrate."

The holidays are associated with family and togetherness. But that isn't true for a lot of people. High divorce rates and fragmented family units can lead to stress as family members attempt to find some compromise in defining shared time. Some are grieving the loss of a loved one. Others may be unable to travel back home and feel homesick. Whatever the situation, Dasey-Morales offers this encouragement.

Dasey-Morales: "(It's) important to remember also that no matter how hard the holidays may be, that this too shall pass, that better times are on their way."

After taking down the Christmas lights and packing away the holiday decorations, it's not unusual to feel a little sad. All those warm feelings and the excitement of the holidays are gone. Even the happiest of people feel blue at times.

Dasey-Morales: "For some, after the holidays are really difficult because they've just spent more time with family and friends, and now they feel isolated and alone more. For some, they're faced with bills from all the spending they've done before the holidays. And for some, it's a really long stretch to another time off."

Dasey-Morales offers some tips to survive the post-holiday letdown.

Dasey-Morales: "Again, really be patient with yourself and with your expectations. Get good sleep and nutrition and take care of yourself physically, and try to stay in the moment rather than focus on what needs to happen in the future."

Maud Purcell, a licensed clinical social worker, offers this tip to beat those blues: No matter what is happening in your life, think of the blessings you do have. Taking stock of all the positives in your life 鈥� right here and now 鈥� can go a long way toward ending your "bah humbug" mood.

Thanks for listening. Until next time, this is Joe Kleinsasser for 黑洞社区.