Dealing with Holiday Anxiety During COVID-19

It’s almost the end of October. So, you’re probably thinking about your holiday plans. Unfortunately, the holidays this year will most likely look a little different this year due to COVID-19. Many holiday festivities have already been canceled. But. your family may still be trying to decide how to navigate the uncertainty of social distancing and celebrating the holidays with your loved ones. For many, it is a risk vs. reward situation. You understand the risks involved in gathering, so now you have to decide if it’s worth it.

I will not offer guidance on what decision to make. The decision to gather, or not to gather, is yours and your family’s alone. Instead, I want to talk about how to deal with situations that you determine to be too risky. We will discuss ways to navigate awkward conversations with your immediate family including your spouse and children, and your extended family and friends. 

It’s okay to be confused or anxious when making plans during COVID-19.

Everyone has their own point of view when it comes to determining the safety of social situations. Furthermore, this opinion may change from day-to-day. So, discussing your holiday plans with your family may be difficult. You may find yourself thinking “I just don’t know what to do anymore.” This is called decision fatigue. And it can really wear you down. You feel overwhelmed and exhausted even thinking about the holidays. So, before we go any further, I want to assure you that you’re not alone. Most of my clients and I would say most Americans, feel the same way. It is okay to not have the answers right now.

How to handle social distancing disagreements with your loved ones.

Perhaps, you disagree with your loved ones on how to handle social situations. That’s normal. But, it doesn’t have to be dramatic. First, wait to discuss these issues until you’re in a position to calmly think and discuss your thoughts and feelings. Distractions such as work, children, and social media, may take away your focus and make it hard for you to communicate effectively.

To talk about situations like these, you have to be willing to be open and honest about how you’re feeling. Honestly express your concerns regarding various holiday gathering scenarios. Remember, your spouse or family member does not have to share your concerns or even agree with them. They are entitled to their opinion, even if it’s different than yours. When you disagree, it’s important to listen to their point of view, but you must ultimately decide what is best for you and your family.

Pause decision making when it becomes too overwhelming

If you’re unsure of what to do. Simply pause the conversation until you’ve had time to think. When you have decision fatigue, it’s not a good time to be having emotional conversations. Offer them a simple explanation that you’re not prepared to come to a decision right now and need more time. Then suggest an alternative time to talk and revisit the discussion. 

If you feel uncomfortable or attacked in any way, then it is also okay to end the conversation. When a discussion becomes emotionally charged and hostile, it’s best to retreat until you can approach the matter calmly. Just as I suggested above, provide an alternative time to talk. Consider saying something like “let’s talk about this tomorrow when we’ve both had time to cool off.” Remember, there are often big emotions attached to holiday traditions and family gatherings, so it is natural that you’ll disagree and sometimes argue about how to handle these situations.

Offer an Alternative Way to Participate in Holiday Festivities

Sometimes, you won’t agree with your loved ones about how to handle social situations. When this happens, consider offering them an alternative way to participate in holiday festivities. For example, maybe you could suggest having your Thanksgiving meal over Zoom. Or, doing a holiday FaceTime toast. Perhaps, you could even get really creative and think of new holiday traditions to start.

The CDC recently published an article discussing holiday precautions and safe alternatives. You can check it out here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html

Online Therapy in Georgia gives you an impartial person to talk to:

If you’re having trouble coping with your emotions or the arguments in your family due to COVID-19, then I encourage you to consider online therapy in Georgia. Meeting with an online therapist gives you a safe place to discuss your thoughts, fears, frustration, and sadness without judgment. If you’re experiencing decision fatigue we can listen and offer tools to help you determine what’s the best course of action for you and your family. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we can help you by guiding you through stress management techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, and more.

Begin Online Therapy in Georgia:

If you’re looking to meet with a therapist to discuss the challenges you’re experiencing or your holiday stress, we can help. Our therapists are skilled in providing online therapy in Georgia to help you work on the issues that matter most to you. To begin counseling in the Atlanta area, follow these steps:

1. Reach out to our counseling clinic  and schedule a consultation call with one of our therapists,
2. Meet with an online therapist to ask any questions you may have about online therapy at Wellview Counseling
3. Begin online counseling in Rosewell and take care of your mental health while practicing social distancing!

Other Services Offered at Wellview Counseling

Wellview Counseling is an Atlanta area therapy center that offers many counseling services to help you or your loved ones find healing and growth. Our therapy services include play therapy, child counseling, individual counseling, social skills groups for kids, therapy for postpartum anxiety and depression, trauma and PTSD treatment, chronic illness counseling, family therapy, and positive discipline parent education opportunities. Contact our Roswell, GA mental health clinic to learn more about online therapy and the many ways we can help you or your loved one.

About the Author: Ashley Bobo, LCSW

Ashley Bobo, LCSW provides individual and family therapy to help with anxiety, depression, postpartum depression & anxiety, parent coaching, and other mental health concerns.

If you’d like more support, give us a call at 678-288-6221 or email info@wellviewcounseling.com.