Coping With Holiday Depression

The holidays are right around the corner, and with it may come unwanted stress and depression. This is incredibly common, as there is an expectation to feel joyous and merry during the holiday season. It is normal to compare yourself to what you perceive others are feeling, or feel like you have to project different emotions than what may be true to you, in order to appease family and loved ones. Additionally, you may have extra responsibilities that disrupt your normal routine during this time, such as family obligations, which can bring about stress and anxiety. Financial worries can also be present.  It is important to recognize that feeling depressed during the holidays is incredibly common and completely normal. It is also vital to understand why depression may be triggered, such as the reasons mentioned above. However, you can truly enjoy your holiday and embrace the season. Here are few tips for coping with holiday depression.

Plan Ahead

Know how you’re going to spend your holiday, what responsibilities you may have, and decide how you’re going to take care of yourself. If gifting is a part of your holiday tradition, try to have all of that completed well ahead of schedule. Having a firm plan will help to relieve uncertainty and anxiety, making you feel more in control.

Make Your Own Traditions

If you know certain activities that are repeated each and every holiday trigger your depression, it is perfectly acceptable to not participate. Give yourself that permission. Try creating your own traditions that may align with your general hobbies, such as baking or snuggling up with a movie.

Ask for Help

Have you been put in charge of the holiday meal, or decorating? It’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to accomplish everything on your own.

Don’t Isolate

Reach out to others, talk with your loved ones. Even if it’s just a phone call, you’ll feel better after communicating.

Drop Perfectionism

Try to focus on the good, and don’t let yourself feel like everything has to be perfect. Also, don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to be extra happy due to it being a holiday. Whatever emotion you feel is perfectly valid. Again, focus on what’s good.

Stonebriar Counseling Associates is passionate in providing quality mental health care. Individual counseling is available, guaranteeing a safe environment to share one’s private pain in confidence, with trained professionals. Please, don’t feel like you have to deal with holiday depression on your own. Contact us today.