Sioux Falls Avera Counselor Jim Greene says the holidays are supposed to be the happiest time of year, but for many people, they trigger deep feelings of sadness and anxiety. I know that for a fact!

Although it’s been 10 years since my divorce, I still get the blues around this time of year---remembering how my life was back then before the break up. But, I’m not alone. Many people shy away from the holidays because of the lingering memories of what was---and isn’t anymore!

The good news is this: Counselor Jim Green says there is hope! Recovery is possible a day at a time!

“We grieve for loss, with its youth loss and family members that are no longer with us. Sure we really want to feel great and to feel loved and love all the good things that are available to us. We want so badly to reach our high expectations during the holidays. Everything has got to be perfect. Sometimes we overdo that.”

Unfortunately, many of us isolate ourselves from others especially during the holidays.

“That’s really true! It’s one of those things we don’t deliberately set out to do. But, sometimes we end up like that. Missing gatherings of family, or deliberately not going to family gatherings. Instead, we end up spending so much time alone. Ultimately, Christmas is about love. If you tie that element into the Christian understanding of Christmas---it’s all about unconditional love and support. If we are not with people, we have no way of receiving the gift. I think sometimes our minds are much too harsh on us. So, we tend to isolate in a way to protect ourselves if you will.”

Aside from committing ourselves to maintain social support, Green says it’s just as important to live with an ‘Attitude of Gratitude.’

“People don’t realize we have the power to direct our minds! We can come to believe that. It’s really almost a spiritual conversion---to really look for the good things in life and appreciate what we have. The outcome is awesome! The pay off is 10 fold. We get even better and healthier. We get even become stronger emotionally. All good things come to those that focus on the ‘Attitude of Gratitude.’”

If you are struggling with the Holiday Blues, Jim Green encourages you to seek out a health care provider to talk about your condition. I know I did! The support has given me so much relief and in turned renewed my faith! I can proudly say ‘I Love Life!’

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