‘Tis the Season for a Healthy Holiday

'Tis the Season for a Healthy Holiday

It’s the holiday season and for most people, it’s usually considered the most wonderful time of the year. However, with COVID-19 having deeply affected all our lives and daily routines during this year, the holidays may actually be bringing on more depression and mental stress from increased financial worries, limitations on seeing families, and restrictions on social activities. Also, if you are a member of the military community and know of a loved one who is deployed, this time of year may not feel so festive.

Holiday stress and anxiety are very real, and if you suffer or know someone who is dealing with depression, then this time of year can become overwhelming very quickly. So, we want to take a moment to remind you to prioritize your mental health for the holidays.

To help you have a Healthy Holiday, we would like to share with you these quick tips from Mental Health First Aid USA (for full write-up, go to their webpage):

Manage your expectations. Remember that this year is different and may not feel like the holiday season we are used to.
Pull back when you need to. If, at any point, you feel overwhelmed or anxious, know that it’s perfectly fine to take a step back.
Reach out to loved ones. In times like this, living in a digital age can feel like a saving grace. Stay connected with your loved ones via text, social media, video or phone.
Monitor your moods. The “holiday blues” are real, so it is important to stay in tune with how you’re feeling. It can be easy to put others before yourself during the holiday season but remember that how you’re feeling matters too.
Ask for help. If the holidays become more than you can handle, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help.

For more stress management assistance, check out the online, self-paced series: Tools for Managing Stress and Worry, which is brought to you in partnership by the Cohen Veterans Network and Blue Star Families. The online tool was designed by mental health experts with input from military family members themselves.

Tools for Managing Stress and Worry is for anyone who wants to better understand stress and worry, and build a toolbox of techniques to help effectively manage these experiences in the future. Although the course is designed for military family members, anyone can benefit from this content. The free course can be accessed by anyone, on any internet-connected tablet, phone or computer, anywhere in the world.

The Cohen Clinic at Easterseals also continues to operate fulltime with telehealth services. If you need our help, please call our office to schedule an appointment at 240-847-7500.

However, please note the following adjusted hours and closings for December:

December 24: OPEN 8AM to 3PM
December 25 & 26: CLOSED
December 31 & January 1, 2021: CLOSED

We know the holidays can be a tough time for members of our military community, but it does not always have to be. It’s OK to allow this time of year to be about reflection, giving to yourself and cherishing what you have.

Have a wonderful holiday season this year.

As always – Stay Healthy, Stay Safe!

Welcoming New Staff

Meet Dr. Shea Lott!

Shea is the Lead Clinician at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals. He is a licensed clinical neuro forensic psychologist with experience providing comprehensive mental health care for children, adolescents, couples and families. He is dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for all by focusing on social and cultural factors that impact the development of various psychological and behavioral disorders. He has a particular passion for treating individuals with mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and relational problems. More!

Meet Dr. Andrea McDaniel!

Andrea is a Post-doctoral Fellow Psychologist. She has seven years of experience with the assessment and treatment of PTSD, sexual assault traumas, depression, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, and other behavioral health disorders within inpatient and outpatient settings. She has specific training working with neuropsychological, forensic, and military populations. She specializes in providing cognitive-behavioral therapy and other evidence-based therapies. She provides individual, couples, family, and group therapy. She has developed and facilitated groups for coping skills, parenting skills, military sexual trauma, family reunification, moral reconation of forensic populations, and for persons suffering from serious medical illnesses. More!