Troy Weir
Prism Health North Texas
The holiday season can feel isolating, overwhelming and triggering for many people. Culturally, there is an expectation of joy and cheer for the holidays as people get together to exchange gifts, drink eggnog and snuggle up next to their loved ones.
But this “norm” is not the reality for many.
There are many challenges that come with the holiday season. For myself, someone who loves warm weather and sunlight, Daylight Saving Time has always been something that dampens my mood a bit.
The financial stress seems to compound as well. Who do I need to buy gifts for? How much should I spend? How many White Elephant and Secret Santas do I feel obligated to participate in? What am I bringing to all the potlucks? What will my travel costs be?
Then we can sprinkle in family dynamics. Who is going to say something offensive? Are we going to get into a heated political conversation? Is Grandma going to comment on my weight or same-sex partner?
Top everything off with the pressure to have that “holiday cheer.” Why would anybody want to act like a Scrooge when we are all supposed to be merry and bright, right?
Family dynamics can be extremely triggering for many, whether it be strains due to identity, past trauma, ideological differences or any number of things.
Many are feeling financial strain as their money isn’t going as far as it used to; not only are folks struggling under the pressure and expectation of gift-giving, but they’re also struggling to put meals on their tables.
It is important to prioritize your health year-round, and especially during the holidays. It is ok to ask for help, and it is important to know where to find it.
So how do YOU know when you need support? Everyone is different, but there are common signs to look out for — like sadness, irritability or hopelessness.
If you are someone who struggles with or has struggled with alcohol or substance use, you may have increased cravings.
If you begin to isolate, have trouble sleeping or experience changes in your appetite, that might be a sign that you should reach out for help.
For me, the warning signs are irritability, intense stress and compulsive eating. As a workaholic, I risk nearing burnout if I don’t engage in proper self-care. I must disconnect from social media and doomscrolling, force myself out of bed and go do some things that I enjoy like riding my bike, taking walks or reading a good book. As someone in recovery, I know that if I let my battery get too low (whether mental, social or emotional), extremely self-destructive things can happen.
Asking for help can be extremely difficult. It takes a vulnerability and humility that many people feel uncomfortable showing, including myself at times. Some practical steps you can take to find help in stressful times are finding a trusted friend or family member to whom you can say, “I’m struggling right now and need to talk to someone.”
You may want to explore talking with a therapist, psychiatrist or peer specialist and/or joining a support group. When we realize that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength, we can feel more comfortable using (or expanding) our support networks when we need them.
As a peer support professional and a hyper-independent person, I’m used to being the one people lean on for support; and oftentimes I feel like I can figure out my issues on my own.
However, as part of my recovery, I know that I must lean on others when I feel a little wonky. It’s like releasing a valve so the pressure can escape — I don’t have to keep things inside and let them fester and lead to negative outcomes.
The wonderful team at Prism Health North Texas can be part of that support network. In addition to providing primary care, women’s health, pediatric care, HIV/STI testing and treatment, dental care and pharmacy access, Prism Health can also help with your behavioral health and psychiatry needs.
Following an integrated care model, counselors and psychiatric specialists work together with your medical providers to create a personalized plan that supports your emotional well-being. Additionally, under the umbrella of our Behavioral Health department, we offer recovery support services that help support people struggling with alcohol or substance use.
We provide one-on-one appointments with a Peer Recovery Support Specialist — someone with lived experience with addiction — to help you navigate your recovery.
Peer specialists, including myself, can literally meet you where you are to help remove the barriers that may be keeping you from getting the support you need. We also host recovery support groups like SMART Recovery, Narcotics Anonymous and our own R.I.S.E. Group, which is a peer-led recovery support group. If you have any questions about our services, please call the PHNTX main line at 214-521-5191 or visit our website, PHNTX.org.
We know that the holiday season can be challenging for many in our community for a myriad of reasons. It helps to be aware of your warning signs and not be afraid to ask for help.
Accessing services like Prism Health North Texas can make things more manageable.
I encourage you all to check-in with yourself, explore available resources, and reach out to help when you need it.
Trey Weir is Project STEP program supervisor for Prism Health North Texas.