Coping with the holidays during the pandemic

Holiday season./// elvis presley once crooned about a 'blue christmas' ?

"* fact is, for many the normal holiday stresses combined with those brought on by the pandemic ?

"* are having an impact on mental health.

Kimt news 3's nick kruszalnicki is live with a look at how you can cope.

Nick?

Yes george ?

"* things are going to be quite different this year ?

"* thanks to the pandemic and a neuropsycolo gist from mercy one north iowa has some thoughts on how to cope.

Doctor brent seaton says you need to get those feelings out.

Talk to someone about how you're feeling.

Odds are, they're probably feeling the same way.

That validation will help you process your emotions.

Probably the simplest piece of advice ?

"* is just to admit to yourself that christmas that's one of the first things we need to do this year is just to accept that this is a different year.

We've been doing a whole lot of acceptance over the last 9 months that we have been dealing with this.

Doctor seaton also says loneliness will be especially hard this time of year ?

"* which is why it's so important to call, text, or skype with your loved ones if they can't make it to your holiday celebrations.

Thanks nick.

The mayo clinic also says if you get to a point where you are persistently sad, anxious, or having trouble sleeping ?

"* you should talk