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Staying Sane During the Holidays

Though the holidays are supposed to be a time for family, for celebrating and for taking a break from work, they can sometimes have the opposite effect.  Old family battles can be resurrected, celebrations can become calamities and the rest we hoped to get dissolves into a flurry of shopping, planning, packing and partying.   Maintaining your own peace of mind during the holiday season can be especially challenging.  Here are some ideas to reduce your holiday stressors:

Mental Health During the Holidays

Last year I posted several articles about maintaining your mental health during the holiday season.  I'm sure I'll be posting new ones this year, but it doesn't hurt to recap past posts.  I doubt the stressors of the holidays have changed in one year...

Dueling Divorcees and Christmas Cheer

I learned today that this time of year is one of the busiest for the family court system.  Other busy times?  Spring break and summer vacation.  Why?  Parents initiating custody battles over possession of their children.

The Ride to the Crack House and the Trip Home for the Holidays

What can a ride to the crack house and a trip home for the holidays have in common?  Well, let's see...

Holiday Wellness Tips

Staying grounded during the holidays is difficult for most everyone.  Financial stressors, substance abuse issues (yours or someone else's) or a history of trauma can only exacerbate the problem.  Add to that the fact that old family roles kick in during family gatherings and well-adjusted, normally sane people suddenly find themselves acting like 5 year olds.  How do you maintain your peace of mind and stay balanced?

Dealing with Addiction During the Holidays

Though we often think of the holidays as a time of giving and sharing they can also be extremely stressful.  This stress can lead to an increase in substance use or a relapse by someone in recovery.  What are some of the symptoms of a problem in a family member?  In yourself?  What can you do to protect your own sobriety?

Just Say "NO" to Christmas Presents and Obligatory Gifting

What would happen if everyone just decided not to exchange presents any longer?  Would the Earth spin off its axis?