[Archived] Alexandria Office on Women;Alexandria Domestic Violence Program Counselors Offer Tips on Coping with Holiday Stress


News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:	Tuesday, December 22, 1998
Contact:	Claire Dunn, Domestic Violence Program Coordinator

Alexandria Office on Women;Alexandria Domestic Violence Program Counselors Offer Tips on Coping with Holiday Stress

Alexandria, Virginia - Counselors at the Domestic Violence Program in the Alexandria Office on Women and at the Alexandria Mental Health Services Office offer counseling services on handling stress during the holiday season. If stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness become overwhelming during the holidays, it may be helpful to consult a professional for help. Local programs offering professional assistance 24 hours a day are:

Alexandria Office on Women/Domestic Violence Program 838-4911

Alexandria Mental Health Services 838-6400

"It is not uncommon to experience difficulty handling conflict with family members, friends, and co-workers, especially during the holidays," advises Claire Dunn, Domestic Violence Program Coordinator. "Differences between family members especially can become uncomfortable and emotionally charged during times of stress. I urge everyone to take steps to make the holiday season violence free."

Among the situations causing stress during holidays are:

Added financial burdens.

Unmet expectations of what the celebrations should be like.

Overindulgence in alcohol and food.

Family gatherings where relationships are strained.

Crowded stores, roads, and parking lots.
Domestic Violence Program experts offer these tips to preserve family and other relationships during times of stress.

Plan your holiday season ahead of time and share your plan with your family.
Keep holiday plans simple.

What do you want the holidays to be like this year?

Where will it be spent?

With whom?

What can you do to avoid holiday stress?

Get adequate exercise, rest and diet.
Get out in the sunlight and fresh air daily.
Discuss money and credit card usage ahead of time.
Limit the amounts of mood-altering food (sugar content) and drinks (alcohol).
Don't drink and drive.
Volunteer at homeless shelters, community centers or retirement homes.
Drive carefully and expect traffic to be heavy - listen to a book on tape or some soothing music.
Any current problem will intensify under the stress of the holiday season - solve the problem before the holiday season starts.

Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, conflicts arise. Conflicts can be resolved by using the following problem-solving method offered by counselors:

1. Identify and define the conflict

2. Suggest possible solutions

3. Discuss and evaluate the choices

4. Decide on the best solution

5. Implement the decision

6. Follow-up with discussion and feedback

Keep the holidays and 1999 violence-free. Take positive steps to lessen stress in relationships and seek professional assistance when needed.