We know what you’re thinking: what does Schitt’s Creek have to do with mental health and the holidays? Let us explain.

If you’ve ever watched the Netflix comedy Schitt’s Creek, you’ve met the ever so fascinating, highly entertaining, and loveable Rose family: Johnny, Moira, David, and Alexis.  As the previously wealthy Rose family finds themselves broke and all their possessions repossessed, they find themselves living a vastly different lifestyle without a place to call home. 

 However, then Johnny remembers the time he purchased a little town in the middle of nowhere as a joke, called Schitt’s Creek. The family decides to move to Schitt’s Creek as a temporary plan to regroup and get themselves back to their previous lifestyle and financial status. 

As you could have guessed, the Rose’s do anything but – instead building a whole new life in this humorous town. 

The Rose family illustrates a satirical picture of difficult family dynamics, dealing with life’s challenges, and rolling with the punches.  With that said, we highlighted some of the valuable lessons we’ve learned from them about navigating your mental health and the holidays! We even included some tips too.

Holiday Family Challenges

The holidays are a time when many people look forward to seeing families and loved ones, but that’s not the case for all.  Many people have experienced familial discord and dysfunction. As a result, the holidays aren’t always joyous depending on each specific family’s situation.  

The Rose family suddenly found themselves living not only in close quarters but with no access to their previous lives. They were forced to spend time together like never before, having to learn how to communicate with each other, and how to set boundaries. 

Mental Health and the Holidays Tip #1

If you are feeling stressed about spending time with family or friends, think about what boundaries you can set to help ease some stress. Make sure to communicate them clearly and respectfully.

“I miss being surrounded by loose acquaintances who think I’m funny and smart and charming.” – Alexis Rose

Gift Giving

In the words of Johnny Rose, “Don’t be a cheap ass.” For the Roses, monetary value was a driving force in their lives for many years. Losing their financial stability allowed the Rose Family to spend more time together and improve their relationships.  But that wasn’t without strain or issues. Despite challenges, they grew closer as a family and community. Their sudden financial strain forced them to make changes and grow together.  The holidays are the perfect excuse to spend quality time with family and friends as a way to give without stressing over money.

Mental Health and the Holidays Tip #2

If gift-giving isn’t feasible with your budget, don’t be cheap with your time. Spending time with those you love will prove more valuable than any gift you could give.

“I do not have a lot to my name right now, but I do have one thing: taste.”- David Rose

Liberations with Libations

Remember when Moira Rose finally found some acting work again?  Being the spokesperson for Herb Ertlinger Winery was an important moment for her. Herb Ertlinger produced an array of fruit wines that Moira was not a fan of at all. Although she was quite vocal about her distaste in the wines,  that did not stop her from drinking them. 

Unfortunately, while making the commercial, Moira overindulged on the merchandise she was promoting and her true feelings about the wine came out. The holidays are a time when it’s customary to celebrate with spirits, alcohol, and food. However, overindulging can lead to repercussions we’d rather not face.  

If overusing alcohol or other substances, even food during the holidays is an action you’d like to not repeat, think about some alternatives!  Find some fun mocktail recipes, practice saying no to substances, and even talk with family and friends ahead of time about your goal so they can support you. 

If you find yourself or a loved one struggling with substance abuse, you may want to consider treatment. Contact Bright Harbor Healthcare for any questions.

Mental Health and the Holidays Tip #3

Our thoughts can become our actions. Prepare for staying on track with your holiday goals by practicing your thoughts about not overindulging or using alcohol and other substances. Plan and practice thinking about how much and what you want to eat or drink during the holidays. 

I just thought, in spite of all the hardship, we found ourselves coming together, the kids, you and me, as a family. And it just seemed like the perfect day to celebrate that. The perfect day for a Rose Family Christmas Party.” – Johnny Rose

The Stress of Cooking

 “If you say fold in the cheese one more time!”

“David, what does burning smell like?”

As David and Moira worked together to cook a family dinner (possibly their first time cooking ever) the recipe called for the cheese to be folded in. Neither of them knew how to fold cheese or what it even meant, and found themselves both quite stressed and insistent that the other “fold in the cheese.” It then became utterly apparent that neither had much cooking experience when Moira asks what burning smells like. 

No matter your culinary skill level, cooking can be stressful!

What do you make? How many people do you have to cook for? What dietary restrictions need to be addressed? 

The stress of cooking during the holidays is overwhelming, to say the least. It’s difficult to please everyone and ensure you are not jeopardizing your mental health in the process. I think we can agree, enchiladas were not the best choice for Moira and David to show off their culinary skills (or lack thereof). 

Choose your meal wisely. Pick something convenient, but also easy to avoid increased stress. Keeping it simple and asking guests to bring side dishes and desserts is a great way to manage time, decrease stress, and ensure you have enough food for everyone. Just remember to fold in the cheese.

Mental Health and the Holidays Tip #4

 Planning your holiday meal ahead of time and reading the recipe to see how much effort and cook time is needed will help you prepare accordingly. Ask your guests to bring side dishes and dessert! Spread around the cooking joy.

 “Who has time amidst all this chaos?” -Moira Rose

Keep The Holidays Healthy With Bright Harbor Healthcare

Do you feel better about managing your mental health and the holidays? For additional resources, reach out to Bright Harbor Healthcare. We provide a wide range of services and programs to best support your mental health. Whether you’re tackling the struggles of seasonal depression or need help moving forward after the death of a loved one, Bright Harbor Healthcare is here to keep your holidays healthy, merry, and bright. Reach out to our team today.

Meghan Corrigan, LCSW & Arielle Smith, BSW