Understanding Holiday Depression & How to Deal With It
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, just not for everyone.
While most people associate the holiday season with merriment and view it as a time to relax and celebrate, for several others, this is an occasion they dread. The holidays can be a stressful and emotionally draining time for them and can heighten their anxiety. In fact, even people who don’t typically struggle with depression may find themselves experiencing what’s known as “holiday depression.”
What Triggers Holiday Depression?
The holidays can be a depressing time for some individuals for several reasons. Stereotypically, this is a time when you’re surrounded by your family and loved ones. For many people, this experience is less than pleasant. Being around family or certain friends can trigger other emotions and put you in an emotionally conflicted state.
Individuals who’ve been struggling in their personal or professional lives may also experience holiday depression. Being constantly reminded of others’ happiness and success when they haven’t had much reason to celebrate themselves can trigger negative emotions around this time.
Holiday depression may also be linked with the financial stress that comes with the holidays, such as having to plan elaborate meals or buying gifts. Moreover, people often have unrealistic expectations about how the holidays will pan out, which, if unmet, can further affect their mental well-being.
How to Deal With Holiday Depression
There are several strategies you can adopt to alleviate depression and anxiety around the holidays:
Make sure you have realistic expectations from yourself and your loved ones.
There’s no need to over-exert yourself during the holidays. Instead of taking on more than you can handle, set realistic goals for yourself. The same applies to the expectations you have from your family and friends. Don’t hold them up against expectations that are unrealistic or challenging to meet. This will only add to your disappointment later.
Assert your autonomy and practice saying no.
If being around certain people severely affects your mental health, try opting out from those situations. Your mental wellbeing matters more than the obligation you feel to socialize, and if your boundaries are constantly being breached, you can put an end to the situation by saying no.
Take a break from social media.
Social media platforms can exacerbate holiday depression. If seeing other people’s holiday photos makes you feel poorly about your situation or causes you to make comparisons of your lives, it’s best to take a break from social media. This is a simple yet effective self-care strategy to alleviate holiday depression.
You should also give therapy and offers mental health counseling Winder a shot. Comprehensive Counseling Services, LLC is a counseling practice in Winder that offers comprehensive therapy sessions to individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and stress.
Learn more about our services here.
