TAMPA -- Along with joy, the holidays bring stress, which could pose challenges for those dealing with psychological conditions including depression, as well as those dealing with losses from recent disasters including Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Dr. Ryan Wagoner heads the psychiatry department at the University of South Florida in Tampa. He says holiday stress can add to problems for those with anxiety or depression. His advice: pick your battles. Do the things you like to do the most and say no to the rest.

For those with family members having a rough time because of pre-existing conditions, Wagoner says to let them know you're there for them. "You don't necessarily have to be there physically, but just that support that's available."

USF business professor Lisa Penney says celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah will be difficult for those who suffered losses in the recent hurricanes. She says it's important to manage expectations. "(Show) self-compassion and compassion for others as well as thinking about what's important and what's realistic."

Penney says some holiday traditions, such as cooking dinner, may be difficult or impossible if your home or kitchen has been damaged or destroyed. She maintains it's important to focus on what those traditions mean, as opposed to just doing it because it's always been done. That might mean going out for Christmas dinner, or modifying traditions in other ways that reflect increased personal or financial stress.

Hear more from Wagoner and Penney in our Beyond the News podcast series, linked below:

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