No, suicides dont happen more often during the holidays, contrary to popular belief. But this time of year is still a challenging one for both patients and providers. The never-ending to-do lists, pressure to see family who hurt our mental health and constant temptation to overeat and drink can make it hard to get out of bed.

Because the challenges of the holiday season are so rampant, providers should take time to check in with patients about their coping abilities, saysPam Greene, PhD, RN, assistant professor in College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Texas A&M University, Corpus Christie, and member of theAmerican Psychiatric Nurses Association(APNA).

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If people have competing needs, and they have depression and anxiety, during the holidays, it can escalate, she explains.

Whats more, your efforts may have a more lasting impact during the end of the year. Why? Dr. Greene says mental health providers tend to have fewer appointments and could more easily squeeze in a referral.

Here are some ways to get the conversation started.

Dr. Greene frequently uses this as an opener with patients, especially with those whove had a hard year. This encourages them to speak candidly about whats bothering them and give you an opportunity to provide guidance as necessary.

For this strategy, weight loss is just an example. You can use any health initiative a patient has taken recently. This allows you to provide specific strategies to help the individual plan. For example, suggest they treat Christmas buffets as a sampler rather than a whole meal.

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This is a good opening for a patient whos clearly feeling down or anxious. It shows that you understand them as an individual and youre paying attention. The key here, Dr. Greene says, is to be direct. Say exactly what youre noticing and what your worries are as a healthcare provider.

Again, letting a patient know that you notice their needs will help them open up. This can also be an excellent transition to talking about new years resolutions. Starting them a few weeks early can help patients take back a sense of control, Dr. Green advises.

The holidays come with plenty of social obligations, which can cause people to de-prioritize the people they see often who are actually beneficial for their mental health. We want to encourage people to stick to the parts of the holidays that are keeping in their values, Dr. Greene explains.

Sometimes, no matter how many Christmas banners declaring Joy to the World you drive past, you cant get that warm, fuzzy feeling. But encouraging struggling patients to focus on how theyve helped someone important to them can.

Nothing cuts through the overwhelming sense that youre a failure like thinking through what youve actually gotten done. This question provides a small dose of empowerment that can last for weeks.

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If the responses to any of these questions give you pause, Dr. Greene reminds fellow providers to conduct a mental-health screening. If the patients baselines are elevated, it might be time for a referral.

Asking personal questions during a time of year where were all struggling can seem daunting, but the goal, Dr. Greene says, is simple: Give patients permission to manage their own lives.

Read more:

7 Inspiring Messages to Share with Patients Struggling During the Holiday Season - Florence Health