Not So Merry? Holiday Depression and Stress

Although the holidays are supposed to be a time full of joy, good cheer and optimistic hopes for a new year, many people experience additional stress or seasonal "blues". Thanksgiving dinner dishes are still being cleared off the table when some of us start thinking about everything that needs to be done in the upcoming weeks. The season can be a stressful time as we try to meet all of our obligations. Things like financial stress, over-commercialization, being away from loved ones, or lack of time to prepare to make it easy to feel out-of-sync with holiday crowd.

Coping with stress during the Holidays

• Keep expectations for the holiday season manageable. Try to set realistic goals for yourself. Pace yourself. Organize your time. Make a list and prioritize the important activities.
  
  
• Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Don't put the entire focus on just one day (i.e. Thanksgiving Day). Rember that it's a season of holiday sentiment, and activities can be spread out to lessen stress and increase enjoyment.
  
  
• Remember the holiday season does not banish reasons for feeling sad or lonely; there is room for these feelings to be present, even if the person chooses not to express them.
  
  
• Leave "yesteryear" in the past and toward the future. Life brings changes. Each season is different and can be enjoyed in its own way. Don't set yourself up in comparing today with the "good ol' days."
  
  
• Do something for somone else. Try volunteering some your time to help others.
  
  
• Enjoy activities that are free, such as taking a drive to look at holiday decorations, going window shopping or making a snowperson with children.
  
  
• Be aware of excessive drinking. It will only increase your feelings of stress.
  
  
• Try something new. Celebrate the holidays in a new way.
  
  
• Spend time with supportive and caring people. Reach out and make new friends, or connect with someone you haven't heard from in while.
  
  
• Save time for yourself! Recharge your batteries! Let others share in the responsibility of planning activities.
  
  
• Always remember your rights during the holiday season!
  

Holiday Bill of Rights: You have the right to...

• Take care of yourself.
• Feel mixed up emotions around the holidays.
• Spend time alone thinking, reflecting and relaxing.
• Say "no" to party invitations.
• Ask for help and support from family, friends and community service agencies
• Say "no" to alcohol, drugs...and seconds on dessert.
• NOT to ride with a drunk driver, to take their keys away and to call a taxi for them.
• Give gifts that are within your holiday budget.
• Smile at angry sales people and/or rude drivers and give them a peace of your mind.
• Enjoy your holiday the way you want.
  

Links and Resources

Stress, Depression, and the Holidays: 12 Tips for Coping (Mayo Clinic)

What Causes the " Holiday Blues?" 
Seasonal Affective Disorder

Past Topics