(December 15, 2021) Oh for the days when December worries swirled around only overeating and overspending.
The second pandemic holiday season gifts us with a new COVID-19 variant and an anxiety that began emerging earlier this year as the behavior we initially hated – staying home – became a habit we’re reluctant to give up.
Unlike last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not telling everyone to just stay home.
The CDC offers guidance for domestic travel for those who are fully vaccinated. Small parties likely are fine for those who are fully vaccinated, but larger gatherings come with increased risk. For those who are not vaccinated, the CDC recommends delaying travel yet offers some guidance on reducing travel risks.
But, some of us aren’t quite ready to venture back out, particularly those who weren’t social butterflies to begin with and feel a little out of practice. The good news, according to experts, is this: Don’t feel pressured to get back out there and take things at your own pace and comfort level.
Part of this feeling is related to the constant risk assessment that may have us questioning every move in an uncertain world, according to the American Psychological Association in its annual Stress in America report.
A little self-assurance can go a long way, and GuidanceResources, the company’s Employee Assistance Program provider, has an on-demand webinar called The Confident You: Taking Charge of Your Life, to inspire and help you navigate your feelings. Its Self-assurance Toolkit provides additional resources if you are in a season of self-doubt.
If stress turns into anxiety or depression, use these additional resources to get help:
- GuidanceResources has online information to help with anxiety and depression as well as 24/7 counselors. Call 1-833-962-0716 or go online to guidanceresources.com and use the company code Freeport-McMoRan for confidential assistance. You also can download the app GuidanceNow from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
- If you are or a loved one is in crisis, call the 24/7 toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). All calls are confidential. Learn more about available help and suicide prevention at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.