BUFFALO, N.Y. — The holidays are a time of giving, but let's face it. They can take a lot of you and stress you out.
According to a survey from the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, 29% of Americans are feeling more stressed this year than last. That poll showed that stress is driven by politics and finances, especially when people can't afford the holidays.
"We don't want people going broke or feeling like they are going broke, so don't try to pay for the perfect holiday. If you're worried about all of these pocketbook issues, don't be overly stressed about the perfect gift. Be kind to yourself and others in the giving of a gift," said Rawle Andrews, Jr., Esq., Executive Director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation.
Experts say it's important to ask yourself one question: is the stress a sometimes thing or an everyday feeling?
If it's the latter, it may be time to seek some professional help.
"If you're feeling like you're constantly hopeless, helpless, sad. Easily irritated or [have a] wildly fluctuating diet. Those are some of the things to be looking for. If it's an everyday thing, one of the things we're telling our folks in our Mental Healthcare Works campaign, talk to a health provider about it," said Andrews, Jr.
If you're struggling, there is help available 24 hours a day by calling the Mental Health Lifeline at 988.