Dealing with depression at Christmas is frustrating in the face of so much hoopla, but there are some tricks that will help you cope with the blues this holiday season.
If you are depressed around the holidays you are not alone. Unhappiness during the holiday season is pretty common, but it’s seldom the stuff of movies or television specials.
For many people, the holidays are a time for anxiety, negative thoughts, and unrealistic expectations. Whether you are suffering the loss of a loved one, dealing with stressors that are exacerbated by the demands of the holidays, or unhappy that the season isn't measuring up to what you had expected, step back a moment and take a deep breath.
Be Realistic Around the Holidays
Make a list in order to get a clear idea of the scope of your commitments and expectations. Try to set achievable goals and approach them at a pace that will not leave you exhausted. Sometimes this means doing less.
You only have so many resources at your disposal. Remember, your time and energy are resources too. It's easy to get into the trap of taking on too much because you want the holidays to be perfect. It's important to realize that by overloading yourself with too many commitments you may be sabotaging your Christmas before it's even begun. Sometimes less is more, even around the holidays.
Live in the Now
As we grow older, the holidays can become bittersweet. Try to look to the future instead of dwelling on the past. The National Mental Health Association suggests that you avoid setting yourself up to be unhappy by comparing this holiday season to the good old days. Take each day as it comes, and find some value in living in the moment.
Show Kindness to a Stranger this Holiday
The best way to put unhappiness into perspective is to change your focus. The holidays are a great time to help others. Participate in an angel tree program, or volunteer at your local convalescent home or children's hospital. Even if you have to bow out of other commitments to do it, volunteer; it helps recharge your emotional batteries.
Warning Signs of Serious Depression
If you have serious concerns about yourself or a loved one, Dr. Kenneth Johnson, a psychiatrist at Columbia, St. Mary’s, suggests that “. . . if you have a period of more than two weeks where you have a depressed mood, crying spells, sleep problems, feelings of guilt and thoughts of death or suicide, you probably have a major depression and should seek medical care. You’re moving beyond the holiday blues.”
The Holidays Don’t Last Forever
The holidays can be joyous and magical; they can also be disappointing and stressful. Because you are sad or unhappy now doesn’t mean that you’ll always feel that way. Tomorrow, next month, or next year you will probably feel very differently than you do today. The holidays don’t last forever, and even people who do have the holiday spirit are glad about that.
