Focusing on You: Holiday Blues on the Rise During COVID-19 Pandemic
Dr. Marisa Echenique, a clinical psychologist at the University of Miami Health System, discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic is sparking cases of the ‘holiday blues’ this year, how to get through these difficult times, and where people can go to get the mental help they need. Izzy, a college student battling depression, shares her story.
TRANSCRIPTION
Narrator:
Izzy Childress has been dealing with depression since she was a young girl.
Isabella Childress:
Just an overwhelming feeling of helplessness and hopelessness.
Narrator:
UHealth clinical psychologist, Dr. Marisa Echenique, says Izzy is not alone. The COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on our mental health, especially this holiday.
Dr. Marisa Echenique:
Living in this pandemic, which is an extraordinary time for all of us, we should anticipate feeling certain negative emotions, whether it’s fear, sadness, frustration,
Narrator:
But how do we know if it’s a case of the holiday blues or something more serious?
Isabella Childress:
Be aware if usual things that we do to feel better, activities, hobbies, past times, different behaviors that we do to feel good, if those stop working for us.
Narrator:
Izzy is now working on reframing her negative thought through therapy.
Isabella Childress:
So I’ve been learning how to catch these subconscious negative thoughts that are happening, that are changing my mood so rapidly, and how can I look at this situation and reframe it.
Dr. Marisa Echenique:
We offer combined approach to care, where there is not only medication management, but there’s also psychotherapy, which evidence shows that it’s the most efficacious approach to mental health treatment.
Narrator:
Izzy says getting help for mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of.
Isabella Childress:
I think that if all of us start to be more honest with ourselves and with the people around us, it can be really beneficial.
Tags: depression, Dr. Marisa Echenique, holiday blues, mental health, therapy
