Ask A Specialist: Holiday mental health
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The holidays are usually a festive time to spend with family and friends, but it can also be a difficult time for people who are dealing with the stress and anxiety of the busy season.
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KHON2’s Jodi Leong sat down with Dr. Chelsea Wong, staff psychologist at The Queen’s Medical Center, to discuss how we can protect our mental health during the busiest time of the year.
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“Have priorities. Really look at what needs to be done that’s most important to maybe the least important. It’s okay to have boundaries and to say no,” said Dr. Wong. “One of the biggest things I also think about is self-care. The importance of making sure you’re taking care of yourself. Make sure you’re taking your medications, get your sleep, you’re eating okay. Think about how much you can handle with your capacity and really make sure that you don’t lose sight of making connections.”
For those suffering from mental health issues, Wong said it’s particularly important to listen to your body.
“Really listen to what you’re feeling, if your body is telling you, ‘Hey let’s take a break.’ Take that time to listen to your body to see what it needs. It’s okay to feel those emotions, it’s okay to let things in. It’s okay to reach out for help. Sometimes, especially in Hawaii, the hardest thing to do culturally, is we probably place other people before our own needs, right? Especially during the holidays. So, I always tell people don’t hesitate. Don’t forget about yourself,” Wong said.
Another source of stress can be family gatherings, which Wong said is one of the most difficult things to do regardless of the holiday.
“Just practice being non-judgmental, being flexible, really thinking about the content of what you’re talking about. Really think about being grateful in the moment – how do you show your appreciation to others, how do you show it to yourself,” Wong said.
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To learn more about the services offered by the Queen’s Behavioral Health Department, visit their website, click on services, then click on “Behavioral Health” or call 691-4401.
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