How to Survive Family Drama Over the Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, many businesses wind down, marking a festive period for relaxation and joy. However, in certain professions, such as mine, the opposite holds true. It becomes a high season for addressing interpersonal conflicts, which individuals may often avoid throughout the rest of the year. From a neuroscience perspective, the stress associated with unresolved conflicts can activate the body’s “fight or flight” response, releasing stress hormones like cortisol, and this heightened state of arousal can be particularly challenging during a time traditionally associated with celebration and togetherness. See, chronic stress, if left unaddressed, can lead to structural changes in the brain, affecting areas responsible for emotional regulation and decision-making — so let’s try and avoid it as much as possible.

While interpersonal conflicts are a natural facet of family dynamics, individuals with less developed emotional regulation, and communication skills, or those who have experienced trauma and/or unresolved issues with family members may find these conflicts really difficult. Research indicates that individuals with a history of trauma may exhibit heightened emotional reactivity and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Psychotherapeutic insights suggest that understanding yourself first provides a foundation for exploring how these…