Holiday Stress & Health: How To Help A Friend or Family

The holiday season is now in full swing here in the U.S. Although the time between Thanksgiving and New Years is supposed to be happy and filled with joy, that’s not always the case.

Coping with chronic illness can be challenging any time of the year. The stress of the holidays can be difficult for those struggling with a health or medical condition. A merry season may be hard for those coping with a diagnosis or for people who are chronically ill — leaving many patients and caregivers overwhelmed.

Countless people struggle over the holidays, often in silence. They may feel lonely and isolated. In fact, a survey of people with chronic illness found that while almost all respondents enjoy spending time with family and friends during the holiday season, they also will put on a happy face and try not to let others know how they are really feeling, according to HealthUnion.

How To Help A Friend Over the Holidays

Reaching out and volunteering your support is the most powerful thing you can do to help someone struggling over the holidays. That’s why this holiday season we want you to #LeaveALightOn and show you’re open and available to be a resource to those who may feel isolated and alone dealing with a medical condition.

Placing a burning candle in a window was a sign of welcome to others — a signal of friendship and Care To The People’s #LeaveALightOn campaign is a modern twist on this holiday tradition.

Pledge your social media status by Tuesday December 15th to show you’re willing to #LeaveALightOn during the holiday season.

Share #LeaveALightOn via your social networks to show that you’re there to support those patients, families, and caregivers. Whether that’s making yourself available to chat, answer questions, give advice, or simply offer an encouraging word, #LeaveALightOn and let the world know you’re there to be a friend.

HOW TO JOIN #LEAVEALIGHTON:

• Visit http://thndr.me/ZK841g to join the Thunderclap campaign.
• Click “Support with Twitter” and/or “Support with Facebook”. The more places you share, the better.
• Share a message to invite your friends to join too!
• Watch on December 15th at 1pm ET as we flood social media with our message. Encouraging everyone to offer advice, support, and encouragement to patients and families in need!

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Care To The People™ is a for-purpose, pay-it-forward health initiative that’s making the web a better resource for anyone coping with a health issue, their loved ones, and patients seeking advice, inspiration, and encouragement from others. Learn more at caretothepeople.com.