Holidays Can Be Stressful, , Here's How to Protect Your Mental Health.<br />As many of us prepare to join our families for the holidays this year, it's easy to be overcome with stress created by the complexity of our relationships.<br />According to the American <br />Psychological Association, 38% of Americans feel more stressed <br />than usual during the holiday season.<br />A lot of stuff gets brought up around the holidays in terms of the vulnerabilities that we have.., Rachel Orleck, psychologist, via 'The Seattle Times'.<br />A lot of stuff gets brought up around the holidays in terms of the vulnerabilities that we have.., Rachel Orleck, psychologist, via 'The Seattle Times'.<br />Though holidays emit feelings of joy and connection for many, some associate this time of year with fatigue and irritability.<br />Don't let stress steal <br />your holiday joy.<br />Some people spend 20 hours worrying about what’s going to happen for three hours, Pauline Wallin, psychologist, via 'The Seattle Times'.<br />Health experts say it's important to <br />make time for yourself this year.<br />It can be helpful if all <br />of the people and activities are <br />starting to cause you undue stress. .<br />For many, this Thanksgiving may be <br />their first without a parent or sibling.<br />As COVID-19 claimed the lives of more than 750,000 Americans in the past year, 140,000 children have been left without a caretaker.<br />Grief of this magnitude may make it <br />difficult to find any reason to celebrate.<br />My advice to people is: <br />It’s OK to sit this one out. , Pauline Wallin, psychologist, via 'The Seattle Times'
