DECEMBER 2021 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 45
Family dynamics at holiday gatherings often produce anxiety. (Getty Images)
COPING WITH HOLIDAY STRESS
ANXIETY IS UP AS THE HOLIDAY SEASON APPROACHES
BY BERNADETTE STARZEE
Last holiday season, many people were grappling with feelings of isolation and depression
as the pandemic disrupted their long-standing holiday traditions. This year, as things
slowly return to normal, the approaching holidays are cause for increased anxiety.
“Last year, many people did not get together for the holidays,” said LeeAnn Diedrick, a licensed
clinical social worker and assistant director of integrated counseling & recovery services at CN
Guidance & Counseling Services in Hicksville, which provides a wide range of mental health
services. “As people look to resume holiday traditions, there’s anxiety over everything from
getting back to having to socialize with people, including family, to concerns about safety, as
in ‘Who’s vaccinated? Can we have the unvaccinated people over?’”
PRESS HEALTH
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46 LIVE+WELL COVID
49 ROUNDUP
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