Tips on Holiday Depression
The holidays can be a time of joy and happiness, but for many people it can also bring on feelings of depression and anxiety. If you’re struggling with these feelings during the holidays, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. With the right tools and coping strategies, it is possible to manage holiday depression. In this post, we will discuss five tips for managing holiday depression through lifestyle changes, depression therapy, and self-care.
1) Don’t try to be perfect
The holiday season can be a difficult time for many people. With increased pressures to host the perfect gathering, buy the perfect gifts, and attend the perfect parties, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and suffer from holiday depression.
The key to managing this common seasonal mood disorder is to remember that you don’t have to be perfect. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to live up to unrealistic expectations of what this time of year should look like. Focus on the things that are important to you and let go of the rest.
2) Acknowledge your feelings
It’s not unusual to feel down during the holidays, especially if you’re facing difficult emotions or have experienced a loss recently. It’s important to acknowledge your feelings and realize that it’s normal to feel sad or lonely during this time. Allowing yourself to feel your emotions can be a healthy way of dealing with them instead of trying to push them away or ignore them.
Acknowledging your feelings can help you move forward and create a plan for overcoming your depression. There are also some things you can do on your own to manage your depression. Take time for yourself each day and focus on activities that bring you joy and relaxation. These activities could include reading, listening to music, writing in a journal, watching a movie, exercising, or spending time with friends and family.
3) Reach out to others
The holidays can be a tough time of year for many people. For those who suffer from depression, the season can bring on extra feelings of loneliness and sadness. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or down during this time of year, it’s important to reach out to others and ask for help.
Socializing can be difficult when you’re feeling down, but it’s important to make an effort to connect with family and friends. Even if it’s just a phone call or text message, making an effort to stay connected to those you care about can help provide some sense of comfort and support.
No matter what, remember that you are not alone in this struggle. Reach out to others and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
4) Set realistic expectations
One of the best things you can do to manage your holiday depression is to set realistic expectations. It’s important to remember that the holidays aren’t going to be perfect, and that’s okay. Don’t expect too much of yourself or of those around you and try to focus on the present moment rather than worrying about how things should be.
Be kind to yourself and take time to pause and recognize what you’re feeling. Acknowledge your feelings without judgment, and try to accept them without trying to change them or push them away. This will help you to gain a better understanding of yourself and your emotions.
It can also be helpful to talk about your feelings with someone you trust. Find a trusted friend or family member to confide in, or consider talking with a therapist who can provide emotional support and guidance.
5) Make a Plan
Making an intentional plan can help manage depression during the holiday season. Start by considering what triggers your depression and then develop strategies to avoid or lessen those triggers. For example, if you know that being around large groups of people will make you anxious, make a plan to limit your social engagements and take breaks when needed.
You can also make a list of activities or tasks that will provide comfort and enjoyment. This could include spending time with a friend, engaging in a hobby, taking a warm bath, or reading a book. Make sure that your plan includes some level of self-care each day, such as eating healthy meals and getting enough sleep.
By taking the time to make a plan for the holidays, you can equip yourself with the tools and resources needed to get through this difficult season.
In conclusion, the holiday season is often a time of joy and celebration, but for many people, it can also be a difficult time of year. Depression during the holidays can be caused by a variety of factors, including the pressure to have a perfect holiday, financial stress, or feeling isolated from friends and family.
Our therapists at Sweet Mango Therapy Group can help you identify the underlying causes of your depression, develop strategies for managing stress and anxiety, and find new ways to cope.
Our depression therapists understand that you may have many struggles you are dealing with, and we want to help you in any way we can. In addition to anxiety therapy, we offer a variety of other therapy services. Give us a call today at 925-665-3668 to schedule an appointment
