This year has definitely had its ups and downs. There has been a lot to process and to deal with around every corner for each week this year. And now here comes the Holidays…

Every holiday season brings with it various family gatherings; however, this season will look a bit different for a number of reasons. Of course the main reason is COVID-19, but for me, changes also include changing family dynamics. The collision of all of these moving parts can trigger anxiety in someone who has already been suppressing various emotions due to this rollercoaster ride of a year.

So, if you are this someone, then here are some signs of anxiety that you may recognize just so you don’t feel like you’re going crazy:

In the midst of everything going on, a seemingly small issue may trigger an anxiety attack. Your rational brain may tell you that how you feel is irrational and to just get over it, but your body may still respond to the stimulus. This could include an inability to sleep, which we know may lead to you feeling completely exhausted the next day. However, even if you do get rest, your body’s response to the stimulus may lead to you feeling tired or drained and you may have difficulty in concentrating or focusing. As you continue to think about the issue, you may even feel an increased heart rate or change in your breathing.

There are more symptoms that may result in the initial stimulus that caused the attack, but they vary based on the person. My psychologist friends say that breathing exercises can help with anxiety. Also, I’ve seen a section in the Calm app dedicated to anxiety. Perhaps these tools can help if you begin to feel yourself needing to calm some anxious feelings during this holiday season.

Now I’m no medical doctor PLUS my Ph.D. ain’t even in this field, so if you need help please contact a medical professional. And most importantly, stay safe this holiday season.

Stassi.