Surviving Holiday Stress

Tips from BP Magazine:

Even positive life events, like a new job or the holiday season, can bring unsettling stress. Here are some survival tips for the next few weeks from Prakash Masand, MD, president of Global Medical Education and a former consulting professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University Medical Center:

Spread out the workload. Make a list of everything you’re trying to get done between now and New Year’s, then divide items into a day-by-day schedule so you don’t get overwhelmed by last-minute tasks. Figure out what you can simplify, what you can offload, and who you can recruit to help out.

Expect things to go wrong. The turkey may get overcooked, your kid may hate the gifts you picked, a family member (or you) might get sick. Something is bound to be less than picture-perfect. Accept the reality and try to focus on positives.

Sidestep family drama. Holidays are not the time to resolve family conflicts. Create a game plan to get through the few days you’re together—from practicing deep breathing to setting an early departure time in advance—and plan to address issues at another time.

Keep up your self-care. When things get rush-rush, it’s tempting to skip meals and skimp on sleep. Make an effort to eat a good diet, drink lots of water, stick to your exercise and medication routines, and attend scheduled appointments with your psychiatrist or other mental health professional.

 

Click here for more “Helpful Holiday Hints”—including why it feels like your moods fluctuate more this time of year—from the "Ask the Doctor" column (Fall 2012).

National NAMI Organization Names New Executive Director

NAMI Southwestern Pennsyvlania is pleased to share the news that its national NAMI organization, located in Arlington, Va., announced the appointment of Mary Giliberti as the new Executive Director.

Giliberti has served as a Section Chief in the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services since 2008. She previously served for three years as NAMI’s Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for federal and state issues.

She also has served as Disability Counsel for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and senior attorney at the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law. She is a graduate of Harvard College and Yale Law School. After graduation from law school, she clerked for Judge Phyllis Kravitch on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

“Mary has had a long and distinguished career advocating for individuals and families living with mental illness," said NAMI National Board President Keris Jän Myrick.

“She was selected after an extensive search informed by many NAMI grassroots leaders and others.

“We are excited by the vision, energy and collaborative style she will bring to NAMI’s mission as we begin a new chapter in its 35-year history.”
While at NAMI previously, Giliberti was a co-author of NAMI’s Grading the States reports in 2006 and 2009.

“NAMI is a powerful agent for change in the mental health care system. Our greatest resource is our people,” Giliberti said.

“I am honored to become executive director at a time when new opportunities are arising for our movement to make a difference. NAMI will be at the forefront of education, support and advocacy  to improve treatment and life outcomes for people living with mental illness.”

Giliberti will assume her duties on Jan. 2. She succeeds Michael Fitzpatrick, who a year ago announced his intention to step down as executive director at the end of 2013.

“NAMI is grateful to Mike for his leadership over the past 10 years, a time of major progress and challenges,” said Myrick. “He has provided a steady hand and is leaving NAMI well-positioned to continue the fight.”

About NAMI

NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through recovery focused support, education and advocacy.