The holiday season is usually a time for family and friends to enjoy spending time together, but that can be a challenge during a pandemic.

Mental Health Counselor in Jefferson Dr. David Ohrt says the holiday season can be especially hard on someone who is alone, who lost a loved one, not to mention the pandemic that has kept some families and friends from seeing each other in person.  

“And as human beings, we are kind of pack animals. We don’t do well in isolation and (being) alone. If l leave my dog home alone without any interaction, that dog will get very destructive. And I think as we get more and more isolated, then we tend to get destructive and angry.”

Dr. Ohrt points out some ways to connect includes via electronically with family, spending time with pets, or outside in nature. He adds, another way to lift your spirits is by decorating your home, like what Dr. Ohrt did when he hung up holiday lights outside his home.

“Now this time of the year, it’s dark and gloomy, I thought that would be a good way to help people see some hope in the darkness. And maybe you could do that in your own house, (by) sprucing it up and make it a little more cheery and bright. Because those things help you think of hope.”      

Dr. Ohrt urges everyone to find something or contact someone to relieve the stress that you might be feeling and cherish the moments you spend with others and be present in them.