Writings from Christine

10 Reasons Holiday Depression Worsens

by on December 26, 2021

Ever wonder why depression seems so much worse during the holiday season? Some of the reasons may be a surprise, while others seem very obvious. Each one of these is based on real personal struggles. Humbuggery. This word is made famous in Charles Dicken’s story, A Christmas Carol, where Scrooge frequently says, “Bah-Humbug.” The pure… (more…)

10 Ways We Poorly Manage Holiday Stress

by on December 19, 2021

For many, the stress of the holidays is overwhelming. The anticipation of family gatherings alone can create anxious, tense, and uncomfortable responses. Then there are the personal expectations of gift-giving, the lack of appropriate boundaries of friends, and the increased tension of an end-of-the-year work cycle. Sorting through these conflicting thoughts and emotions can be… (more…)

10 Steps to Manage Holiday Stress

by on December 12, 2021

The holidays should be several days of reduced work activity set aside to celebrate with family and friends. But all too often, these days are jam-packed filled with obligations, deadlines, expectations, responsibilities, and crises. Instead of letting the exhaustion take over, try these ideas to simplify. Make a list and check it twice. The first… (more…)

How to Manage Holiday Anger

by on December 5, 2021

Driving during the holidays requires a bit of patience, lots of control, and a sprinkle of endurance. As I was driving down the left side of the highway slightly faster than normal because I was late, suddenly someone cut me off. I slammed on the breaks and skidded a bit almost hitting the concrete barrier…. (more…)

How to Manage the Holidays without Family

by on November 28, 2021

For the first time in 16 years, Janice was going to spend Thanksgiving without her kids. Even though the divorce was finalized in the summer, she did not realize until a week before the holiday that her kids would spend the entire week with her ex. She was devastated. The traditions she so purposefully cultivated… (more…)

7 Steps to Making it Through the Holidays without a Loved One

by on November 24, 2021

The first Thanksgiving and Hanukkah without her husband of 47 years, nothing seemed right. For the first time, Nikki was not hosting either celebration, her daughter and son took the holidays over to relieve her stress. But without the rituals and traditions, she felt more isolated and alone. Nikki took a deep breath to hold… (more…)

Find Peace during the Holidays with Your Narcissistic Mother-in-Law

by on November 19, 2021

As the holidays approached, Heather began to worry about the next encounter with her in-laws. Last Thanksgiving was a complete disaster. After spending days getting their new house ready for the visit, her narcissistic mother-in-law walked into the house and announced, “It’s not that bad.” Heather tried to brush it off, but the comments kept… (more…)

Parenting Teens Is Exhausting

by on September 28, 2021

Beginning at age twelve, a tween (age ten to twelve) develops critical thinking skills. This shift literally transforms a child’s mind from being receptive to others’ opinions into an adult mind that constantly questions opinions and facts. Gone are the days a child just believes what is said. Now begins the journey of conceptualizing, applying,… (more…)

Narcissism and Addiction: A Frustrating Combination

by on September 24, 2021

One of the hardest types of people to deal with is a narcissist in the middle of their addiction. They are completely exhausting. The combined selfishness of narcissism and addictive behavior is overpowering, relentless, callous, and frequently abusive. This destructive blend of arrogant thinking in that they are always right and that they do not… (more…)

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