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Christmas can be a happy and hope-filled season, but for many, especially those struggling with mental illness, the holidays can be difficult. The expectations we, our families and others put on the holidays can increase anxiety and be difficult to live up to. Unmet expectations often  become triggers for those struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders and other mental health issues.  

In this episode, Stacee and Doug interview therapist and friend Deanna James on how to Navigate the Holidays while struggling with mental illness. Deanna lays out some important and practical steps to improve mental health and to stay connected to recovery throughout the challenges the holiday season brings. Deanna, Stacee and Doug talk from both professional expertise and personal experience about the importance of keeping to a treatment plan, how family and friends can be of support, and about finding hope in this season, despite bad memories from holidays past.

We invite you to join with us as we pursue and experience hope this Christmas season!

*Deanna James is a LPC in private practice in Oklahoma City.  She specializes in treating eating disorders, trauma, and other mental health issues, is a certified dance and movement therapist, and is the current past president of the Oklahoma Eating Disorder Association. She has over 15 years of experience in treating clients and helping others find hope and healing. You can find Deanna online at deannajamescounseling.com.

To learn more about eating disorders and resources for help, visit okeatingdisorders.org.