Psyche under stress

Therapist: “More courage to take a gap at Christmas”

Tyrolean psychotherapist Ines Gstrein is also on the board of the Austrian Federal Association for Psychotherapy.(Bild: Ricardo Gstrein)

Christmas Eve hasn't even arrived yet, but many are already close to a nervous breakdown. Why does this quiet time stress us out so much? And how can we prevent arguments at the gift table? Psychotherapist Ines Gstrein on the courage to leave gaps and the container trick. 

"Krone": Ms. Gstrein, to be honest: do you always stay calm during Advent and Christmas?
Ines Gstrein: Not at all. I often find this time stressful too. There's a lot to do, a lot to think about. As a mother and working woman, you are particularly challenged because presents, Christmas decorations, festive meals and all the Advent activities for children are often still women's tasks.