In this episode of What the Health, we delve into the often-overwhelming stress many feel during the holiday season. Host John Salak speaks with Dr. Ken Duckworth, Chief Medical Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), about the various causes of holiday stress, from unrealistic expectations set by Hallmark movies to seasonal affective disorder. Dr. Duckworth offers practical coping strategies tailored to individual needs, emphasizing the importance of being kind to yourself, limiting social media exposure, and seeking support when necessary. Tune in to learn more about managing stress, finding joy in the season and maintaining mental wellness during the holidays. For more insights and Dr. Duckworth's book, 'You Are Not Alone,' visit NAMI.org.

00:00 Introduction: The Joy and Stress of the Holidays

01:24 Understanding Holiday Stress with Dr. Ken Duckworth

01:53 Individual Experiences and Coping Strategies

02:53 The Impact of Idealized Holiday Expectations

04:33 Seasonal Affective Disorder and Other Stress Factors

07:40 Social Media’s Impact on Holiday Stress

14:29 Recognizing Serious Mental Health Symptoms

21:42 Coping Strategies and Seeking Help

26:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Connect with WellWell USA:

Website: https://wellwellusa.com/ Join WellWell-Being: https://wellwellusa.com/register/ All Things WellWell USA: https://linkin.bio/wellwellusa

Connect with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness):

Website: https://www.nami.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NAMICommunicate/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAMI LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nami/ 

Learn More about Ken Duckworth, M.D.:

Website: https://www.nami.org/about-nami/who-we-are/meet-our-leadership/ken-duckworth/ 

Additional Resources

You Are Not Alone Book Series: https://www.nami.org/support-education/publications-reports/you-are-not-alone/