The Holiday Blues - There is Help Available for Holiday Depression

Suffering from Holiday Depression

And although there is not one clear cut solution to this problem, people learn how to cope with this the best way they can. Some of the reasons why people experience the holiday blues stems from circumstances such as, not having a close knit family to celebrate the holidays with or having a dysfunctional family. Even though some people suffer from this seasonal type of depression, there are ways that people who deal with this mental ailment can overcome the holiday blues.

Many people are happy when the holidays come around, but for some people the holidays are what cause their depression. Coming from a dysfunctional family can cause stress and anxiety among family members and the person with this disorder. If this is left untreated, the person can develop depression. No one wants to experience depression during the holidays, therefore some people use self medicating techniques to help deal with or overcome the holiday blues.

Holiday Depression Self Medicating Behavior

• Using Drugs
• Binge Drinking
• Overeating

According to Dr. Allen Swartz an LSCW, he states that holiday depression is common among many individuals, and although people who have an underlying mental illness tend to have more problems with the holiday blues, there are many people without any type of mental illness that also experience this type of depression. Anyone who overindulges in overeating, drinking or partying is putting themselves at risk for this type of depression. He concludes that the consumption of alcohol causes sleep disturbances and can cause depression.

So what can a person do to overcome the holiday blues? They can learn to face their problems head on instead of allowing their depression to take over. By writing in a journal a person can accomplish many things, including:

• Expressing their feelings
• Putting thoughts into perspective
• Learning to let go of negative feelings
• Deciding whether the problem is that serious
• Getting rid of negativity

By writing their thoughts down it helps them to express their feelings and take into account why they are feeling depressed. They can then decide whether the problem needs to be addressed directly or they can decide to let it go.

Face the Problem In a Direct Manner

• Although it can be a difficult decision, sometimes facing the problem head on can do wonders for the soul and the well being of the individual.
• It can help make relationships stronger between people because being honest with one another allows you to be able to speak your mind, clear the air and start fresh.

Being involved in the dramatic events during the holidays can stir up problems in the past. Just like those ghosts in the “Christmas Carol” movie you can learn to practice forgiveness or hold on to anger and resentment.

According to Dr. Barton Goldsmith a licensed psychotherapist, who talks about the benefits of learning to forgive and practice acceptance. He states that people can learn how to react in an effective manner when family members have a tendency to get under their skin. Sometimes walking away is the best way to deal with a tense situation. This prevents the situation from escalating further. It also allows the person to take time to collect the self and is a great way to avoid an unpleasant situation during the holidays.

One population that tends to have more of a difficult time during the holidays is the elderly. According to Robert Preidt, there are many ways that seniors can overcome depression and the holiday blues. He suggests participating in activities such as volunteering and having family and friends over during the holidays.

Be Well Prepared and Plan Ahead

Let’s face it we want everything to be perfect, or at least as close to perfect as we can get it. Trying to take on more then what is possible to accomplish in a short amount of time can leave a person feeling down in the dumps.

Whether it’s getting all the Christmas shopping done, or preparing all the food and goodies for guests, there is a lot going on in a short amount of time. One way you can prevent this from affecting how you are feeling is by preparing yourself the best you can.

Try getting things ready ahead of time. Make the cookie dough ahead of time, buy wrapping paper ahead of time, wrap presents ahead of time and store them somewhere that is safe and away from nosey family members.

According to the Mayo clinic staff, “The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well.”

The better you are at preparing yourself for the holidays, the less likely it will be that you will get behind on your projects and more likely you may experience the holiday blues. So don’t procrastinate.

Also, it's crucial to communicate your personal needs and limits to family members. Politely yet firmly set boundaries regarding topics of conversation, personal space, and participation in activities. This helps in creating a respectful environment and managing expectations, which is key in reducing stress and potential conflicts during family gatherings.

Carve out time for yourself amid the chaos of family gatherings. Whether it's a short walk outside, a quiet room to unwind, engaging in meditation, or spending time with a book or music, these moments can provide a necessary mental break. Personal space is essential to recharge and maintain your mental well-being during intense family interactions.

Participate in family activities that you find enjoyable or relaxing to uplift your mood. Suggest games, hobbies, or even movie nights that are inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. Engaging in activities that you find pleasurable can make family time more enjoyable and can help you connect with family members on a more positive note.

Seek Professional Assistance When Needed

According to the Mayo clinic staff, they state that although there are many different techniques people can use to help with the holiday blues, knowing when to seek professional help is important. If the depression gets worse during the holidays sometimes the best medical advice is to seek help. 

In Conclusion

Knowing the triggers for depression and the holiday blues can help in the prevention against this illness during the holidays. Although some people may be more susceptible to experiencing depression during the holidays, there are ways to cope. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others during the holidays, especially family members whom you may be at odds with.

The holidays are a time meant to be spent around others, whether you have close family members or not, the key is to be around others. Seclusion will only make the depression worse, so be sure to keep that in mind. Help is always available, whether it is through family, friends or medical professionals. Learning how to reach out and admit to having a problem with depression is the first step in being able to seek successful treatment.