November: A Time of Remembrance and Transition

November is traditionally known for celebrating Thanksgiving, one of the biggest holidays of the year. While many people look forward to the hustle and bustle of preparing food and entertaining loved ones, others are likely to experience the “holiday blues”. This is why it’s important to remember to promote mental health awareness and encourage self-care in November. As much excitement and joy as this season brings, it can also be stressful and contribute to depression and lower mood.

Shorter days and longer nights remind us that another change is taking place. Change does not have to be a bad thing and can offer time for deeper reflection. This season comes every year, but there’s always something different when comparing the now versus previous years. Although reflecting can be emotional, it can also help us cherish those memories from before. So why does it seem so hard to express gratitude in a season of gratefulness, when your mood screams everything but that? It’s important to remember that change in any season can bring out a sense of uncertainty. Facing the unknown can be a scary feeling that includes a lost sense of control. Yet change is a steady part of life, and it can help us to anticipate what is to come, including goals we want to accomplish.

Try finding beauty in what’s to come. Doing this can bring about a sense of hopefulness for the joys the world can bring and leave us thankful for grace and mercy.

While reflecting on this new season, let’s remember the feelings of the “holiday blues” and be intentional about caring for ourselves and intentional in checking on family and friends during this time. We sometimes miss the struggles of people closest to us.

Here are a few ideas to incorporate this season:

• Call a friend just to check on them. You may never know the impact you may have on someone by putting forth the effort to make contact.
• Incorporate time each week to decompress from the stressors of the season. Remember to care well for yourself so that you can also care for others.
• Throughout November, let’s celebrate! Let's love a little harder and embrace what’s to come. Remember, seasons of transition may not be easy, but by helping each other we can get through anything. 

Remember that Methodist EAP is here to help! Call us at 901-683-5658 or visit us at www.methodisteapcanhelp.org.

About the Author

Kristin Hilliard, MSW
Behavioral Health Social Worker

Kristin Hilliard is a Master Social Worker working toward licensure. She earned both her Bachelor's degree in Human Services and her Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Memphis. Kristin has experience working with children and teens as a home-based counselor, teacher, and school social worker. She also has experience in case management in an inpatient setting within the adult population, and multiple years with adult individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Kristin is a native Memphian that appreciates the creativity of the city. Her favorite pastimes include reading Kindle books, dancing, and most importantly spending time with her son.