Blue Christmas isn’t just a popular song played in December — the ‘holiday blues’ are real feelings that the 16.2 million people in the U.S. who live with depression experience during the holiday months. For most people, the holidays are a time of love and togetherness with family and friends, but for others, it can be a time of sadness due to a number of different triggers. If you’re like me and have experienced the dreaded winter blues, there are steps you can take to keep this unwanted guest away from your holidays.
Why am I feeling sad when I should be filled with holiday cheer?
The holidays come with many factors that can trigger a person with depression and anxiety. The expectation that you need to be cheerful while spending money on gifts, attending social functions, and interacting with family can seem overwhelming, but you can make it through the holidays without feeling hopeless.
Trigger: Too many holiday parties or obligations.
You might feel obligated to attend every holiday party, dinner, or event that you receive an invite to, but you can say no. Setting boundaries will ensure that you’re taking the necessary time for yourself to recharge. Prioritize the functions you want to attend and respectfully decline the others. The hosts will understand.
Trigger: Spending too much money
The holidays are considered the season of giving — buying gifts, donating to charities, and overextending yourself in other ways can be a trigger for those with depression who are concerned about their finances. An important word for the season is boundaries.
With many people traveling for the holidays, money can get tight after plans are finalized. If you feel anxious or depressed about how much you’re spending, have an open conversation with loved ones. For most people, having you present for the holidays is the best gift you could give. If you are set on buying a gift, check out this list for some great items that also give back with every purchase.
Trigger: Conflicting views with family members
The holidays bring families together, but for some of us, that doesn’t necessarily mean happiness. Sometimes, being too close to family members or people we have conflicts with, can put a damper on the holidays. If you’re feeling anxious from conversations or things that are happening around you, take time for yourself. By removing yourself from the situation that is stressing you out, you have the opportunity to clear your head. Another idea is to reach out to a friend or family members who will be at the gathering and ask them to be your partner.
Trigger: Being taken out of our routines
When traveling or spending a lot of time with people, it’s natural for your routine to be thrown off. People with anxiety and depression are even more susceptible to this and the abundance of food and alcohol can make you feel worse. A good idea is to create a schedule before you travel and try your best to stick to it. Research gyms or fitness classes close by, or specialty cafes that offer the food you typically eat.
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The holidays can be a stressful time, but with a little extra planning and remembering what you are thankful for, they don’t have to be. What are your tips to keep depression and anxiety low?
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