Psychiatrist Shares Tips for the Holidays

News 12 has featured psychiatrist Liat Jarkon, D.O., director of the Center for Behavioral Health, in a segment detailing how to emotionally prepare for the holiday season. Jarkon states that the American Psychiatric Association reported an estimated 41 percent of the population are dreading the holidays compared to 28 percent last year.

To combat those feelings of dread, she offers tips such as lowering expectations, not comparing your family to others, being open about budgets, celebrating the memory of those who are no longer around, and remaining excited for the season.

“It’s so important to emotionally prepare…and there are ways to make [the holidays] happy,” she says. “The most important gift I think we can all give one another is the gift of self-care. Take care of yourselves and identify the holidays individually as you see them and as it works for you.”