For some people, the holidays are a time to wind down, gather with friends and family and look to the new year with hope, optimism and joyful anticipation. For many though, the holidays can bring sadness, self-reflection, loneliness and anxiety. These feelings of sadness can cause stress, fatigue and the inability to socialize. If you feel you have holiday depression, know that you are not alone. These feelings are truly personal; the emotions that accompany are real.
Do you have the holiday depression?
The root cause associated with holiday depression are:
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Unrealistic expectations
- Over-commercialization
- Financial stress
- No desire to be with people
It’s a balancing act!
The gift-giving, spending money you may or may not have, obligations to family, the stress of travel, inclement weather, house guests…the list goes on.
Take a breath. You are not alone. Take a moment and evaluate what the holidays mean to you – personally. Try not to worry about what others may expect or want from you. Create your own traditions – because the stress of buying in to the over-commercialization of the holidays can cause headaches, excessive drinking, over-eating and insomnia and you don’t need a doctor to tell you that that’s not good for you. Try something new instead.
5 Tips for Dealing with Holiday Blues
- Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself. Make a short list of what you can do and stick with it: financially and time wise.
- Pace yourself, remember to live and enjoy the present.
- If you are lonely, try volunteering some time to help others. Giving back will raise your spirits!
- Look to the future with optimism.
- Make time for yourself!
If you’ve been battling depression, particularly during this time of year, you are not alone. If you are battling clinical depression or PTSD contact our office today.
