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Day two of David Pecker testimony wraps in NY Trump trial; Supreme Court hears arguments on Idaho's near-total abortion ban; ND sees a flurry of campaigning among Native candidates; and NH lags behind other states in restricting firearms at polling sites.

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The Senate moves forward with a foreign aid package. A North Carolina judge overturns an aged law penalizing released felons. And child protection groups call a Texas immigration policy traumatic for kids.

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Wyoming needs more educators who can teach kids trade skills, a proposal to open 40-thousand acres of an Ohio forest to fracking has environmental advocates alarmed and rural communities lure bicyclists with state-of-the-art bike trail systems.

Tips for Beating the Holiday Blues

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Tuesday, December 22, 2009   

HARTFORD, Conn. - The holiday season is in the final stretch this week, and while it can be a joyful time spent with friends and family, for some, it's not necessarily - in the words of one Christmas carol - "the most wonderful time of the year."

Alexandra Barbehenn is a therapist and member of the National Association of Social Workers. She says stress and depression surrounding the holidays is more prevalent than many realize, and Connecticut residents don't have to go it alone as pressures run high.

"There's stress about finances, stress about difficult relationships with family members and having to spend time with them. It just kind of accentuates a lot of things that are going on for people."

Barbehenn says keeping daily routines and focusing on physical health are important for mental wellness, but they are often the most difficult things to do, when there are so many competing holiday demands.

"It's important to be sticking to exercise, trying to eat well and get adequate rest and sleep. Volunteer at a shelter. Get out in nature. Take a walk in the woods. Sometimes, attending a religious service can be very meaningful for people."

Barbehenn says "going it alone" is not the best strategy for those battling the holiday blues, or any other type of depression or anxiety. She suggests contacting a licensed therapist, or visiting a community health center to ask about counseling.


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