Healing After the Holidays

Dr. Jamie L. Barney, LCSW-BACS
Vice President of Behavioral Health

For many people, the holidays bring joy and connection. For others, they can bring stress, loss, disappointment, or loneliness. If you’re feeling emotionally drained now that the holidays are over, you’re not alone—and there is nothing wrong with you.

Some people are recovering from difficult or hurtful family interactions. Others may be grieving loved ones and facing the holidays without family for the first time. Some may feel sadness or guilt for not being able to connect with family at all. These experiences can leave lasting feelings even after the decorations come down.

As we step into 2026, you can take this time to pause, reflect, and make your mental health more of a priority.

If the holidays were hard on you, it’s helpful to identify and name what was difficult about your interactions. You may be feeling hurt after tense or painful family interactions,or disappointment that the holidays didn’t look the way you hoped. Maybe you are feeling loneliness or isolation. Or perhaps you are facing grief due to a loss that brings sadness.

All of these feelings are valid. You are not healing by ignoring these feelings – healing starts with giving yourself permission to feel and care for yourself.

Grounding Yourself After Stressful Moments
Grounding techniques can help calm your body and mind when emotions feel overwhelming:

  • If possible, change your space to a quieter, calmer environment – such as your car or a spot facing nature

  • Take slow, deep breaths—inhale for four counts, exhale for six. (Online videos, including YouTube, can help you learn deep breathing techniques that work for you.)

  • Place your feet on the floor and notice five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.

  • Hold something comforting, like a pillow, warm mug or soft blanket

  • Step outside for fresh air or gentle movement

These small actions can help bring your mind and body back to the present moment, signal safety, and allow your nervous system to reset.

Setting Boundaries and Giving Yourself Grace
The new year is a good time to think about boundaries—especially with family or others who may impact your mental health.

  • It’s okay to limit time with people who leave you feeling drained

  • It’s okay to say no without explaining yourself

  • It’s okay if healing takes time

Give yourself grace. You are doing the best you can with what you have.

Choosing Healthy Coping Skills
When emotions are heavy, it can be tempting to rely on habits that promise quick relief—like smoking, overeating unhealthy foods, or drinking alcohol in excess. While these may feel helpful in the moment, they often make emotional stress worse over time.

Instead, try to return to activities that have helped you feel calm or grounded in the past, such as:

  • Listening to music or reading

  • Journaling or creative activities

  • Walking, stretching, or gentle exercise

  • Spending time with supportive people

  • Resting and allowing yourself downtime

Healthy coping looks different for everyone, and that’s okay.

Planning for Support
You don’t have to do this alone. Planning for support is a powerful form of self-care.

  • If you are feeling overwhelmed, in crisis, or just need someone to talk to, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—free, confidential, and available 24/7.

  • Ongoing mental health support can help you build coping skills, process emotions, and feel more supported.

Open Health Care Clinic offers mental health services, including counseling and medication management. We also have extended hours to better meet your needs:

  • Monday and Friday: 8am – 4:30pm

  • Tuesday–Thursday: 8am - 6:00 PM

  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Location: 9516 Airline Hwy

  • To schedule an appointment: Call 225-655-6422

We understand that one size does not fit all. Our diverse team of providers uses different approaches to support each individual’s needs, goals, and experiences.

Moving Forward into 2026
Remember, you don’t have to “fix everything” this year. Even small steps—setting one boundary, trying one grounding skill, or asking for help—can make a meaningful difference.

As 2026 begins, let this be a year where your mental health matters. You deserve care, support, and compassion—especially from yourself.

Dr. Jamie L. Barney, LCSW-BACS
Vice President of Behavioral Health