Insult to Injury: Coping With Holiday Blues and Personal Injuries
It is no secret that the time period between Thanksgiving and New Year's can be a stressful time for some people because of financial strains, family problems, unmet goals, recall of holiday seasons past and a host of other emotional issues. People are often not as focused as they may be during other seasons-- they may be partying or concentrating on partying or not concentrating at all. They may be in an altered state due to alcohol, drugs or otherwise.
It is not just that the Holiday Season seems to proliferate more accidents and mishaps, but that the fallout during the Holiday Season can add insult to injury. We all are anxious to have fun during this time and being injured, hurt and impaired due to an injury not of our own making is very frustrating and upsetting.
As "Coping With the Holiday Blues" on EverydayHealth.com explains, people struggling with the holiday blues may experience feelings of sadness, tension, and stress; changes in sleep patterns; a lack of energy; diminished interest in favorite activities; or excessive drinking or eating. These emotional issues impair our ability to function, both on the job and in other aspects of our lives.
Injury from a car accident, or losing a loved one in an accident can potentiate these emotional problems and make things even more difficult to cope with. On top of holiday blues, suffering from personal injuries will add tremendous pressure during the holidays. People injured in car accidents often miss work due to their injuries necessitating sick leave, disability, or valuable personal time off. At times, some people are forced to take reduced pay or no pay at all. Depending upon one's job, missing work may really not be an option and a host of dominoes can begin to fall. Injury leads to the added stress of attending medical appointments, the side effects of medications, and worrying about paying medical bills. It is so frustrating not to be able to complete normal household chores or accomplish the activities of daily living due to injuries.
And then the insurance issues begin.... The adjustors are calling for statements and releases for medical records and refusing to help you get the care you need. You are left with a vehicle that needs to be repaired or replaced and they are offering you 20 cents on the dollar to try to accomplish that. All of this does not help anyone's state of mind, during the year or especially during holiday season.
All that being said, aside from calling counsel to deal with your accident issues, try some of what "Coping With the Holiday Blues" suggests during the holidays:
Set reasonable goals. To avoid overextending yourself during the holidays, plan ahead, avoid chaotic situations, and stick to a budget.
Have reasonable expectations. If your holidays aren't perfect, that's OK. Prioritize what is and isn't important for you to do.
Get enough rest. Set aside time for yourself to relax and sleep during the busy season.
Avoid dwelling on the past. If you find yourself focusing on unpleasant thoughts, find something else to do, such as taking a walk or visiting a friend.
Focus on the positive. Instead of worrying about what you haven't done in the past year, talk with someone about all the positive things that have happened during that time.
Don't overindulge in alcohol or food. Enjoy holiday meals in moderation, because excessive food and drink will just make you feel worse.
Many of us experience the holiday blues but can be reassured that the holiday blues will not last forever. Those dealing with injuries from accidents should consult an attorney to help them get through any legal battles. Anyone who feels they need help coping with depression should seek advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
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