Holiday Wellness: 7 Tips to Cope with Seasonal Stress and Anxiety
Staff Spotlight: Meet Maggie Chapman
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HOUSTON, TX. November 2024
As a primary therapist at J. Flowers Health Institute, Maggie Chapman has devoted her career to addressing the complex needs of patients that will allow them to lead their best lives.
With an emphasis on clients with substance use, co-occurring disorders and chronic pain, Chapman approaches her practices in a spirit of collaboration: genuinely invested in the success of individual wellness journeys. And true to the JFI philosophy, the best outcomes are the result of diagnosing and treating complex issues by addressing the whole person.
Q: As a therapist, what are the most important things you bring to your work with clients?
A: Some of the most important things I bring to sessions are empathy, a non-judgmental attitude, and a commitment to really understanding each client’s unique story and goals. Most come to therapy looking for a space where they can feel genuinely heard and accepted. They want clarity and some relief from what’s weighing them down, whether it’s anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, or just feeling stuck. Clients also appreciate having someone who can help them spot patterns they might not see on their own.
So, while I listen compassionately, I also try to offer practical tools and insights that help them move forward in meaningful ways. Ultimately, people want a therapeutic relationship that feels collaborative – where they feel supported but also empowered to make their own choices and changes.
Q: Are there things going on at large affecting or exacerbating wellness progress for those with mental health and addiction?
A: A lot of big-picture issues are impacting mental health and addiction recovery today. First, financial strain is huge. With rising living costs and job instability, many people are facing chronic stress which can worsen mental health and lead some to use substances as a coping mechanism. The lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, political and social tensions, and even climate change can affect mental wellness.
There’s also an endless stream of distressing news and social media pressure. Constant exposure to bad news or unrealistic portrayals of life can fuel anxiety, depression and self-esteem issues. Lastly, the landscape of drug availability is shifting. While legal cannabis can be helpful for some, it can complicate recovery for others. And the opioid crisis – fueled by fentanyl and other potent drugs – has made addiction more dangerous than ever. All of these factors make it harder for people to achieve or maintain wellness.
Q: With a shortage of mental health providers, are there temporary or creative strategies for help beyond traditional therapy models?
A: There are effective ways to get support outside of traditional therapy models, such as:
Peer Support & Group Activities: Joining peer support groups (like AA or mental health groups through NAMI) can offer community and understanding. Also, community centers often have free or low-cost group activities that can be a great way to connect
with others and reduce isolation.
Apps & Online Resources: Great mental health apps such as Headspace, Calm, and Woebot teach mindfulness and stress-relief techniques. Online therapy platforms such as BetterHelp offer flexible, affordable options for virtual support.
Workshops & Community Programs: Community workshops, local libraries and municipal health departments sometimes offer free mental health education sessions that can be surprisingly helpful for learning self-care tools.
Mindfulness & Body-Based Practices: Practicing mindfulness through meditation or body-based activities such as yoga and deep breathing can help with anxiety and stress. There are also tons of free videos online to get you started.
Nature & Animals: Spending time outside or with animals can do wonders for mental health. Whether it’s gardening, walking in the park or volunteering at an animal shelter, nature and animals help reduce stress and boost mood.
Creative Outlets: Art, music, and journaling can be great ways to process emotions.
Community Resources: Libraries and community centers often have free wellness resources, from book clubs to exercise groups.
Q: Mental health professionals are collaborating to a greater degree with medical professionals to provide integrated care. JFI has always embraced the whole picture. Tell us about your multi-dimensional approach:
A: At JFI we know that mental health is deeply connected to many aspects of a person’s life – physical health, social connections, family dynamics and more. Our multi-dimensional approach means we look at the “whole picture” of a client’s wellbeing, not just the symptoms and issues they present.
WE also place a strong emphasis on understanding each client’s life in context. This broad perspective helps us develop a tailored approach, combining therapy techniques with lifestyle recommendations, mindfulness practice and coping tools. Our approach is about treating the whole person, fostering collaboration, and empowering clients to make progress in all areas of their lives.
Q: As we approach the holidays, do you have practical advice for dealing with stress and issues that could affect mental wellbeing?
A: First, let go of aiming for a “perfect” holiday. It’s OK if things don’t go as planned. Set boundaries with family and friends and remember that saying no to extra commitments can protect your peace. Family dynamics can be tricky, so if certain interactions might be challenging, plan ways to manage them like taking a quick walk or enjoying some alone time.
Also, give yourself space to feel any difficult emotions the season brings up, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support. With a little intention, you can keep things simple, care for yourself, and enjoy the holidays with less stress.
About J. Flowers Health Institute
J. Flowers Health Institute delivers unparalleled health care to executives, high-profile individuals, young adults, adolescents, and those with complex conditions. Our Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation Program uncovers the true source of any health issue and illuminates the most effective path to optimal wellness. The timeliness of our reports and diagnostic impressions allows the next appropriate level of care to begin promptly with a broad and deep understanding of the individual’s health and wellness.
Our multidisciplinary team of experts collaborates to deliver the future of whole-person health. We select the best providers and protocols from Western medicine, holistic health, integrative nutrition, sports medicine, and more that will help our clients reach optimal health. Our team’s coordination and collaboration offer each client a full continuum of care as appropriate for their unique circumstances.
Every client receives one-on-one support and personalized care. Our high-end medical facilities, access to the world’s largest medical campus, and private partnerships with exquisite hotels and spas ensure that we deliver an exceptional experience for every client. No detail is ever left to chance. Clients of J. Flowers Health Institute focus and heal in discreet comfort.
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