During the holiday season, many look forward to festivities and gatherings with friends and family. But for others, the holiday season is filled with stress, anxiety and depression. We tend to forget that some youth experience holiday anxiety and depression and the factors that increase it. Some young adults carry the burden of stress with the increased financial burden on the household due to energy costs, increased grocery bills, gift and costs. Others may feel overwhelmed with the increased number of sporting events, school performances and extracurricular activities that can be difficult to balance with everyday responsibilities and self-care. Along with all of these are the high expectations to give perfect gifts to friends, and the increased feeling of loneliness for those who aren’t with loved ones, live in rural homes, or lost a loved one. If you or your child is experiencing any of these challenges, here are some coping tips you can use to manage your increased levels of anxiety, stress and sadness. The holidays can bring up difficult emotions. If you can, keep your scheduled counseling sessions. If you can, practice meditation or mindfulness or try it for the first time. Avoid alcohol and other drugs. Using substances can actually worsen the symptoms you have. Finally, set realistic expectations for your time with family and for your personal goals. You can’t do everything and nobody is perfect. Managing mental crisis is always challenging, but it can be particularly difficult during the holiday season. While the struggle can feel isolating, remember that you are far from alone