Stressful Relationships as a Christmas Health Hazard

Another important health consideration at Christmastime is depression. While there are many factors that can cause the holiday blues, the greatest number of people experience emotional upset as a result of disappointments in personal relationships. There are not guidelines for making the holiday you share with family friends perfect, but here are some suggestions many people find make the season better:

If your holiday looks lonely, reach out to other people who may be even lonelier. If you have suffered a loss due to age, moving away, divorce, death, or family discord, don't spend the whole holiday inside by yourself. Get out in the presence of other people, even if it is just for a short while.

Don't expect other people to be able to read your mind. If others are making unreasonable demands on your time, energy, money, and patience, it is better politely to let them know than it is to stew inside.

Set realistic expectations for the holiday. If last year's celebration was special, it can be a let-down to spend less, do less, or see fewer people this year. Realize ahead of time that this Christmas may not be as exciting, but leave room for unexpected pleasant surprises.

Take time out if you need it. Rather than explode, it is better to walk away from an impossible situation. If you have constant responsibilities for others, make it clear that a few hours or days just for yourself would be a very welcome gift.

Get professional help if you need it. Finally, rather than to take life-changing or life-ending action, seek the help of a counselor, social worker, psychiatrist, clergyman, or hot line if the emotional stresses of the holidays get to be too much. You may have a very different perspective on the holiday in just a few weeks.