Protecting Your Mental Health During the Holidays

The holidays can be joyful – and overwhelming – especially for families caring for someone with Angelman syndrome. In this episode, ASF Family Resource Director Kathryn Ely is joined by licensed professional counselor Shannon Barlow, LCPC, to talk openly about protecting mental health during the holiday season.

They discuss managing expectations, navigating grief, supporting siblings, asking for help, and finding moments of joy through radical honesty, realistic boundaries, and intentional self-care. This conversation offers reassurance, practical guidance, and a reminder that the holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.