Dealing with mental health 'triggers' after a holiday

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Heading home to visit family members for the holiday may be difficult.

Experts say things our loved ones say or do "could trigger strong emotions in us," and it is important to know how to handle it.

Returning to daily routines after a holiday can be a difficult transition. Veteran Holistic Physician Dr. Bradley Nelson said when people head home to visit loved ones for the holidays, they may return with mixed emotions.

“People we care about may say or do things that trigger strong emotions in us. This can make family gatherings awkward and uncomfortable, or even lead to estrangement,” Nelson said.

Often, those "triggers" have nothing to do with the person or situation, but can be a result of trapped emotions from the past, according to Nelson.

"They can result from old imbalances from a past breakup or some kind of abuse or something that happened, maybe with that person in their childhood," Nelson said.

So, when returning from that holiday trip feeling down or upset about how things went, it is important to understand the feelings are normal.

Nelson said triggers are your body’s natural responses to past hurts, "their purpose is to let you know you have trapped emotions or other traumas waiting to be dealt with," he said. 

Nelson said it's best not to react, in the moment, the angry or defensive feelings can lead to destruction or hurt to the relationship.

The first step Nelson recommends is realizing that you have control of your reactions. The second step is to choose compassion and pour that into your reaction.

"I think it's a really good idea to come at it from a point of unconditional love and compassion. Just choose to have unconditional love and realize that everyone is on their journey, no one is perfect," Nelson said.

Entering the last month of the year, as everyone begins their preparations for Christmas holiday gatherings, remember to focus on what you can control and be gentle with yourself.

“It is important not only for our relationships but also our overall health and well-being,” Nelson said.