Feeling Down During the Holidays? 7 Strategies to Lift Your Spirits
The holiday season, from Halloween to New Year's Eve, can often transform into a stress-filled, anxiety-ridden experience for many individuals. The pressure to always be jolly and the expectation of a perfect holiday can be overwhelming, especially for those dealing with mental health issues. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, about 64% of people coping with mental illness find their symptoms exacerbated during the holiday season.
The Holiday Blues and You
Despite the holiday season's intended purpose of merriment, it often feels more like a source of additional pressure. The holidays can be a challenging time, and it's essential to acknowledge this truth. Everyone has their reasons for feeling overwhelmed, sad, or even depressed while navigating this season.
Understanding Why the Holidays Trigger Depression
The reasons are plentiful. It could be the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations, financial strain, social isolation, or simply the emotional exhaustion experienced after such an intense period of festivity. By identifying the root cause of your holiday blues, you're taking the first step towards a more resilient, healthier you.
Countering the Holiday Pressure
Here are seven common reasons why holiday depression hits hard and what to do about them:
- If you're forcing yourself to be happy, try to allow yourself to feel any negative emotions and process them. Find a positive activity that brings you joy.
- Burnout is real, especially at the end of the year. Be intentional with your energy and engage in activities that revive you.
- Reach out to loved ones if you're facing social isolation or unmet expectations. Scheduling regular video calls with friends and family can keep feelings of loneliness at bay.
- Remember that you did the best you could in the situation you were given. It's essential to prioritize self-care and self-compassion.
- Log off from the commercialization of the holidays and engage in activities that bring genuine happiness, such as writing letters or creating something.
- Make a budget to alleviate financial strain. Consider cutting back on gift-giving or swapping in handmade tokens of affection.
- If you're experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD), speak with mental health professionals. SSRIs can be prescribed temporarily or on an ongoing basis to help manage depression during the holiday season.
Do not shy away from seeking professional help if your symptoms persist or worsen. Mental health professionals are there to provide guidance, understanding, and support. Together, you can navigate your holiday blues and come out on the other side feeling stronger and more resilient.
During the holiday season, the pressure to be jolly and the expectation of a perfect holiday can exacerbate symptoms of depression for individuals dealing with mental health issues. It's crucial to acknowledge the challenges of this period and seek support if feeling overwhelmed, sad, or depressed.
