Being Mindful of Patient Mindfulness During the Holidays

We all know the holiday season is supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year.”

In many ways it can be.

But for many of your patients, that may not be the case.

The holiday season is often wrought with emotional triggers such as songs, scents, Hallmark movies and traditions. There may be pressure to conform to particular social or familial expectations. Some interactions with family and friends may lead to a poor diet or even substance abuse as coping mechanisms.

Patients working through these social situations can often feel anxiety or depression. The holiday season’s festivities can also be associated with mourning a loved one or other traumatic life events. Loss, loneliness and shame are powerful emotions that can trigger negative mental, behavioral or emotional episodes.

For patients experiencing homelessness or other financial SDOH stressors, the holidays may also serve as a reminder of what does not exist—a home in which to celebrate, cook, decorate, and rejoice.

Physicians Practice offers several considerations to support your patients as you visit with your patients during the holiday season:

• A patient’s mental and emotional health could be a window into understanding their overall health.

• Overindulging rather than moderate intake of food and alcohol can increase weight and make it difficult for patients to regulate emotions during these stressful months. A daily intake of fruits, vegetables and other healthy options can help offset the health trappings often associated with holiday fare.

• Routines can be crucial during a season that is often the opposite. Patients on an antidepressant or mood stabilizer may need additional support to maintain compliance and keep up with refills.

• Increased physical activity releases endorphins at greater levels to improve mood and reduce stress, ideas often easier to accomplish in the Valley’s sunny, mild winter climate.

• Getting involved in the community can promote mindfulness and improve self-care. Volunteering for those less fortunate, practicing guided meditation or even getting outside in the Arizona sun are all no-cost options that could improve energy and overall mood.

• In addition to resources available through ACN’s Care Coordination team, numerous mental health screening tools for different diagnoses are available through the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) and the Arizona chapter of Mental Health America, including online patient handouts that can be easily printed.

• As a provider, you and your office staff may also feel overwhelmed around the holidays. A regular workplace wellness activity such as yoga, meditation, or a few minutes of non-work-related social interaction can help refresh your mind and ease potential staff burnout.

• Substance abuse can increase during the holiday season, especially for those who may be recovering from previous addiction, a life trauma, or may be dealing with stresses associated with being a teenager. These populations may be more likely to withdraw or resort to dangerous substances to cope with emotional distress.

As always, the Care Coordination team of RNs, behavioral health coaches, social workers and navigators is available to support your patient care. Please contact us at 602.406.4226 or email carecoordination@azcarenetwork.org if you have any questions or would like additional support for a patient.