Depression & The Holidays

Holiday Blues?

The holiday season can be a time full of joy, cheer, parties and family gatherings. But for many people, it is a time of self-evaluation, loneliness, reflection on past failures and anxiety about an uncertain future.

Many factors can cause the “holiday blues”: stress, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, financial constraints, and the inability to be with one’s family and friends. The demands of shopping, parties, family reunions and house guests also contribute to feelings of tension. People may also develop other stress responses such as headaches, excessive drinking, over-eating and difficulty sleeping. Even more people experience post-holiday let down after January 1. This can result from disappointments during the preceding months compounded by the excess fatigue and stress.

 Coping with Stress & Depression 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). Remember 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 look 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 someone else. Try volunteering some of 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 that excessive drinking will only increase your feelings of depression. don't drink and drive.  "If you must drink & drive please take a cab"
• Try something new. Celebrate the holidays in a new way.
• Spend time with supportive and caring people. Reach out and make new friends, or contact someone you haven’t heard from in a while.
• Save time for yourself! Recharge your batteries!
  Take a walk in the woods. Get back to nature. :)
  
  
  Recommended Links

The following is a list of other websites I suggest you look at.

National Hopeline Network 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433. This nationwide suicide telephone hotline provides free 24-hour crisis counseling for people who are suicidal or who are suffering the pain of depression.

The Samaritans Suicide Hotline (212) 673-3000 or e-mail: jo@samaritans.org. They will respond to your e-mail within 24 hours.

Covenant House Nineline (800) 999-9999, This hotline provides crisis intervention, support and referrals for youth and adults in crisis, including those who are feeling depressed and suicidal.

Thinking About Suicide: Read This First This is an excellent Web site which I visited when I was suicidal. I credit it with being one of the factors that prevented me from taking my life.

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education This is the Web site for SA\VE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education), whose mission is to educate others about suicide and to speak for suicide survivors. I also frequented this Internet site when I was suicidal and found it to be extremely helpful.

AnxietyHelpOnline.com Dedicated to helping individuals suffering from anxiety disorders, panic attacks, depression and stress. The key focus of this site is Self Help with focus on health and wellness related activities without the use of medications.

Balanced Weight Management Discover how to become your own lifestyle self-manager as you cultivate twelve essential skills that create life-long well-being, a healthy weight, and a more vibrant friskiness.

Accutane Side Effects DrugWatch.com provides up-to-date information on prescription and over-the-counter medications that cause severe depression and suicidal thoughts.

Forever Self Improvement A Web site that reaffirms how self improvement and learning to love yourself can help you lead a more fulfilling life.

Marriage Counselor A Web site with information on counseling.

Therapy A Web site that can help you find a therapist/counselor.

Hypnotherapist A Web site about hypnotherapy and what it can do to improve your life.

Hypnotherapistfinder A Web site that gives you information on hypnotherapy and can help you find a hypnotherapist.