If you’re feeling angst over the holidays, you’re not alone.  Many find the demands and expectations of the Christmas season to be overwhelming.  Well, the Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba ADAM) has some strategies that could help ease the tension when it comes to navigating through friends n’ family gatherings, community get-togethers, facing credit card strains and extra cooking n’ baking stresses.

Executive Director of ADAM, Scott McFadyn says 1 in 4 Manitobans over the course of their lifetime will manage an anxiety disorder. But even if you’re not in that community, it’s important to know what you can do to mitigate the stress in your life to better enjoy the holidays.  One factor to consider is the fewer number of hours that we’re outside in the sunshine.  With daylight hours being the shortest taking place in December, this has an effect on folks.

ADAM is an organization that is peer led. Everyone at ADAM knows how to manage anxiety, says McFadyn. “We’re not really focused on the why someone is having an anxiety disorder, but more on kind of how they’ll manage. So, as we go into the holiday season, it’s darker, it’s more expensive, there are all of these social expectations and limitations in terms of time and money and your capacity to manage people.  And maybe you’ll be forced into social situations and see people that maybe you don’t want to.”

“So, at our organization we’re offering some strategies to get through the holidays and minimize the angst that people may feel,” he says. “And it’s totally a natural sort of thing with there being less sunlight and more pressure and more expectations for people.”

ADAM has a number of ways to help lessen social angst

One way is to use little holiday conversation starters. Sometimes it’s difficult to have a conversation with folks we haven’t seen in a while, or those we’re meeting for the first time, or those we’ve had a strenuous relationship with.  Please see the list below.

The 54321 Method has been very helpful for folks who are needing to gather their thoughts and ground themselves.

“Take a few moments to identify 5 things that you hear, and 4 things that you see, and 3 things that you can touch from where you’re sitting or standing, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste,” explains McFadyn.  “And this 54321-method exercise is a pretty good one.  And it’s even more effective when you are practicing this without the presence of anxiety.”

If you’re struggling, reach out for support

“I don’t mean to belabor things too much, but you know certainly if someone is suffering or they’re alone or isolated, as we know a lot of people are, there are resources out there and don’t be afraid to reach out and you know don’t ever put yourself in a dangerous situation,” he adds. “Reach out before you get to that point and find some of those strategies and find some of those community resources that are available to get through some hard times.”  

“And you know, I think everyone should know you’re not alone. I think we are all walking this together,” shares McFadyn.

Please listen to more with Scott McFadyn below.

For more information on ADAM please visit their website HERE, and the ADAM Facebook page HERE.

The Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM) is a registered Manitoba charity dedicated to reducing the impact of anxiety disorders on the lives of ALL Manitobans through peer support and public education. We know anxiety and can help you in your journey to wellness.

Founded by Tracey Fehr as the Panic Recover Association of Manitoba and established by the visionary work of the late Dr. John Walker at the St. Boniface Hospital in the mid-1980’s, we are honoured to work on Treaties 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Territories.