Peoria Standard

Families across the nation are preparing for the holiday season, a time traditionally associated with joy and togetherness. However, it can also bring about stress due to various factors. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that nearly 90% of people experience some form of stress during this period. Key stressors include financial concerns, the loss of loved ones, and potential family conflicts.

This year, the recent presidential election has been identified as an additional source of stress for many. According to APA research, 69% of respondents cited the election as a significant stressor.

Therasa Yehling, manager at OSF Strive's Trauma Recovery Center in Rockford, Illinois, offers advice on how families can better manage holiday gatherings. Yehling suggests focusing on positive topics: “Let's talk about fun things. Let's talk about how your kids are doing, how your parents are doing. Really talking about things that bring people together. I think that's important to concentrate on."

For families prone to heated discussions in past holidays, Yehling recommends reassessing their approach this year. One suggestion is limiting time spent at gatherings to just a few hours rather than an entire day.