New Traditions: Holidays in Treatment
During the holidays, we help our clients create new traditions and develop coping skills for the years to come. ‘ the holidays,
I spoke with my colleague, Matt VanLiere, in preparation for this article. I wanted his take on the positives of being in treatment during the holiday season. At Sanford Behavioral Health, we have heard all the excuses for putting off treatment till the new year, from “I can’t miss the kids’ pageant” to “Who will take care of my dog?” No one wants to check into treatment during the holidays. However, we know that addressing a mental health issue in a timely manner is the best thing one can do – even if it means missing important events.
As the Executive Director of JOHN (Just One Hero Needed), a Veterans and first responders’ mental health facility, Matt VanLiere doesn’t beat around the bush. He says, “As a first responder, it is tough to have to work during the holidays or miss milestones because you are addressing other people’s problems. If you also have an addiction, PTSD, or other mental health issue, it is probably best to be in treatment and away from the family during this time. Loved ones feel relieved when they don’t have to walk on eggshells, deal with family drama, or face the inevitable blowups. We keep it simple at JOHN during the holidays, helping our clients create new traditions and develop coping skills for the years to come.”
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New Traditions: Holidays in Treatment
It’s the holidays—the time for obligations at church and school, traditions, office parties, and family responsibilities. At Sanford Behavioral Health (Sanford), we understand that those with substance use disorders, eating disorders, and mental health conditions try to find reasons to put off getting treatment. Of course, the holidays present the ultimate excuse, no matter whether you participate in Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or other celebrations.
Why do individuals or their family members call Sanford to gather information but put off going to treatment until a future date? Because they know there is a problem but don’t want to impact their day-to-day activities, especially during the holidays. Sadly, these events present the same triggers that have them calling us in the first place, and the holidays are actually an ideal time to embark on recovery. We have a time-honored adage at Sanford: “The best gift you could give your loved ones is your commitment to getting help during the holidays – or any time of the year.”
Creating a positive, home-like atmosphere
At both JOHN and Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus, we do our best to create a positive, home-like atmosphere for our clients and team year-round. However, during any holiday season, we showcase Spirit Week with fun activities, decorations, and client and staff participation. You may ask how decorations fit into evidence-based programming. Sanford founder Rae Green, JD, LPC, CAADC, says, “A holiday in treatment for a mental health disorder is the most important holiday our clients will ever have. They are sacrificing their time with family and exhibiting great courage, working to give themselves back to their loved ones. We feel a responsibility to lighten their load with fun bonding activities that bring the color back into their lives.”
Example of Spirit Week activities
Benefits of Holidays in Treatment
- As a behavioral health facility, Sanford values both mental and physical health. There is a direct correlation between staff wellbeing and patient outcomes. With satisfied team members, there is better and more consistent patient care. A happy workplace boosts mood and productivity. For those who work in the behavioral health field, it feels good to make others feel good. Laughter in the halls, sparkly decorations, and communal activities are a reward for Sanford team members, too.
- Celebrating holidays creates excitement and a homey atmosphere. The Sanford team posts a schedule of daily events the week prior to the festivities. This gives clients something to look forward to. Studies show anticipation can increase happiness and well-being.
- Peer connectedness is a vital part of treatment for mental health conditions. At a time when clients are usually home with loved ones, lasting relationships are naturally formed with others in rehab. The feeling of community is replicated in outside 12-step meetings.
- During holidays, it takes an even stronger commitment to do the hard work of treatment. The staff at Sanford wants to give back and help create new memories that clients can share with loved ones when they go home.
- Families are secure in the knowledge that their loved one is safe, occupied, and working on their mental health, substance use, or eating disorder. Family members can attend the Sanford Family Program to receive education and prepare a recovery-friendly home to support loved ones in treatment.
Season of Hope
December and the New Year are the season of hope and renewal. At Sanford Behavioral Health, we are given the opportunity to save lives, families, and communities, and we take it seriously. We are trained and ready for the challenge. There is healing from addiction, eating disorders, and mental health conditions, and within the healing is hope. So, it feels right to celebrate.
f you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, eating disorders, or co-occurring mental health conditions, don’t wait to change your life – click the link below to speak with an admissions specialist. We answer phones 24/7!
