Episode 13: Holiday Stress!

Episode 13 – Holiday Stress!
On this episode of The Supporting Kindness Podcast, Greg, Rich, Derek, and Liam talk honestly about why the holidays can be so hard—anxiety in crowds, travel disruptions, money stress, painful family dynamics, substance use triggers, loneliness, and the pressure to “be cheerful.” Each host shares personal experiences, from using substances to get through family gatherings to creating small rituals like breathing breaks and “bathroom escapes” to calm down.

The episode offers simple, practical tools: grounding and breathing exercises, planned exits and rescue text codes, safe words with a partner, bringing comfort items, and breaking the ice early with warmth and honesty. The core message: if you’re struggling this holiday season, you’re not broken, you’re not alone, and it’s okay to protect your mental health and ask for help.