Holiday Depression and Stress

The holiday season for most people is a fun time of the year filled with parties, celebrations, and social gatherings with family and friends. But for many people, it is a time filled with sadness, self-reflection, loneliness, and anxiety.

Tips for coping with holiday stress and depression:

·         Make realistic expectations for the holiday season.

·         Set realistic goals for yourself.

·         Pace yourself. Do not take on more responsibilities than you can handle.

·         Make a list and prioritize the important activities… tasks are more manageable.

·         Be realistic about what you can and cannot do.

·         Do not put all your energy into just one day (for example, Thanksgiving Day, New Year's Eve). The holiday cheer can be spread from one holiday event to the next.

·         Live "in the moment" and enjoy the present.

·         Look to the future with optimism.

·         Don't set yourself up for disappointment and sadness by comparing today with the "good old days" of the past.

·         If you are lonely, try volunteering some of your time to help others.

·         Find holiday activities that are free, such as looking at holiday decorations, going window shopping without buying, and watching the winter weather.

·         Limit your consumption of alcohol, since excessive drinking will only increase your feelings of depression.

·         Try something new. Celebrate the holidays in a new way.

·         Spend time with supportive and caring people.

·         Reach out and make new friends.

·         Make time to contact a long lost friend or relative and spread some holiday cheer.

·         Make time for yourself!

·         Let others share the responsibilities of holiday tasks.

·         Keep track of your holiday spending. Overspending can lead to depression when the bills arrive after the holidays are over.      This can lead to further stress and depression.

This message is brought to you as part of the “Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies” educational campaign sponsored by Beatrice Community Hospital Gage County PATCH..   For further information and resources, contact Sharon Langvardt, MS, LIMHP, CMFT, Blue Valley Behavioral Health and Beatrice Hospital PATCH coordinator (402) 228-3386 or slangvardt@bvbh.net or slangvardt@bchhc.org

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