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b'Hi and welcome to Day 10 of my 12 Days Of Christmas series. The holidays can be a very stressful time for many people. You have so many things going on all at the same time. There\\u2019s shopping, get together\\u2019s, and family time; all of this can add extra pressure to our already busy lives. Sadly, for those dealing with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, the holidays can be even harder to deal with. Did you know that about 1 in 5 adults will suffer from mental illness each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Chances are someone close to you will be affected. So how can you spot the signs of someone struggling with their mental health during the holidays and be there to offer your support? Well according to Cedars-Sinai psychologist Dr. Michael Wetter, here are some things we can do: \\xa0\\n\\n(1). Keep expectations manageable. Try to set realistic goals for yourself.\\n(2). Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Don\'t put the entire focus on just one day.\\xa0\\n(3). Remember the holiday season does not banish reasons for feeling sad or lonely. There is room for these feelings to be present, even if the person chooses not to express them.\\n(4). Leave "yesteryear" in the past and look toward the future. Life brings changes. Each season is different and can be enjoyed in its own way. Don\'t set yourself up in comparing today with the "good old days."\\n(5). Do something for someone else. Try volunteering some your time to help others.\\n(6). Be aware of excessive drinking. It will only increase your feelings of stress.\\n(7). Try something new. Celebrate the holidays in a new way.\\n(8). Spend time with supportive and caring people. Reach out and make new friends or connect with someone you haven\'t heard from in while.\\n(9). Save time for yourself! Recharge your batteries! Let others share in the responsibility of planning activities.\\n\\nHoliday Bill of Rights. You have the right to...\\n\\n(1). Take care of yourself.\\n(2). Feel mixed up emotions around the holidays.\\n(3). Spend time alone thinking, reflecting, and relaxing.\\n(4). Say "no" to party invitations.\\n(5). Ask for help and support from family, friends, and community service agencies.\\n(6). Say "no" to alcohol, drugs, and seconds on dessert.\\n(7). Not to ride with a drunk driver, to take their keys away and to call a taxi for them.\\n(8). Give gifts that are within your holiday budget.\\n(9). Smile at angry salespeople and or rude drivers and not entertain ignorance or stupidity.\\xa0\\n(10). Enjoy your holiday the way you want.\\n\\nWhat Is Holiday Depression? While "holiday depression" is not a clinical diagnosis, the stress, anxiety, and sadness of the season can contribute to a more long-term condition, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). And for those with mental illness, many say it becomes "a lot" worse (24%) or "somewhat" worse (40%) during the holidays.\\n\\nStressors unique to the holidays can include:\\n\\n(1). Spending more money than usual (or feeling pressured to do so).\\n(2). Having more obligations than usual.\\n(3). Pressure to maintain happiness or be in "the holiday spirit."\\n(4). Having more opportunities and permission to eat, drink and otherwise indulge.\\n(5). Having more intense travel plans, accompanied by all the worries about being on time and not forgetting the presents and how weather will affect the trip.\\n(6). The holidays can also dredge up other uncomfortable feelings around loneliness and loss.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n--- \\n\\nSend in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle4466/message\\nSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle4466/support'