The holidays are coming — and with them, a whole storm of emotions, expectations, and family chaos wrapped in shiny paper. In this episode, I’m breaking down why the holidays hit so hard for so many of us (hint: it’s not just the in-laws or the turkey), and how to handle it with real, evidence-based tools that actually work. We’ll talk about:🎄 Why family dynamics resurface the second you walk through the door🧠 How anxiety, grief, and guilt show up during “the most wonderful time of the year”💬 How to set boundaries without drowning in shame✨ DBT skills like STOPP, DEAR MAN, and Radical Acceptance to keep you grounded❤️ And most importantly — how to treat yourself with compassion when it all feels too much This isn’t your typical “stay positive” holiday pep talk — it’s an honest, funny, and real conversation about surviving the season with your sanity (and self-respect) intact. If the holidays make you want to hide in your car between family events, this episode’s for you. 🎧 Listen now and get your emotional toolkit ready for the chaos — one deep breath at a time. Follow me for more real, relatable mental health support: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rachelblogglcsw⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tiktok.com/@rachelwblogg Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/rachelbloggLCSW⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@RachelBlogg-LCSW⁠⁠⁠ The podcast content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice.