Dealing with The Holiday Blues...
The holidays are expected to be a joyous season, filled with family, laughter, traditions and love. But the holiday season does not look like the above for everyone. As Therapists, we not only see, understand and recognize the pain, stress, anxiety, or depression that the holidays may cause, we also would like to share professional insight and provide ways to navigate and beat the holiday blues.
First of all, there is the need to recognize that the holiday blues are temporary feelings of anxiety or depression during the holiday season. These emotions can be triggered by the pressure of expectations of having a good time, grieving loved ones, COVID restrictions, and loneliness, among others. If you are battling with the holiday blues, below are suggestions to help you deal with these feelings and even overcome them this season.
1. Managing Expectations
Set a budget: If you have a lot of people to provide for then setting a budget and sticking to it can reduce stress and being overwhelmed. Realistically view what you can afford and stay within those realms.
Create reasonable travel plans: Try not to burden yourself with excessive traveling and visiting. Create a schedule to attend events and visits that will not stress you out and will allow you to enjoy those activities.
Maintain a positive mindset: Family conflict may arise and cause you to worry. Staying positive and exercising boundaries can reduce this anxiety. Know your limits and give yourself permission to leave or cancel the gathering.
Therapy: Speaking with a Mental Health Professional about the idea of good holidays and creating a plan to tackle the dilemmas will help.
2. Grieving a loss
Tribute: The impact of a grieving loved one may intensify during the holidays. Finding creative ways of paying a tribute to them may bring laughter, good memories and includes them during the holidays.
Traditions: Start or continue a tradition. Being creative ignites good hormones in our brains and lifts our moods.
Therapy: Processing the steps of grief with a Counselor can positively impact you during the holiday season.
3. Dealing with Loneliness/ Depression
Hobby: If you aren’t able to be with loved ones start or continue a hobby.
Stay Active: Sitting in the house all day allows thoughts and feelings of sadness to overcome one. Getting up and out, even if it’s for a short walk around the block reduces those feelings.
Self Care: Doing activities for yourself that bring joy and satisfaction will boost your mood.
Join a friend: If your family is not near, join a friend’s holiday season, rather than staying home alone and giving into feelings of loneliness and despair. If friends do not invite you over, go ahead and initiate the conversation. Most people welcome an extra guest to magnify their joy of the season.
Volunteer: Helping at a shelter or any form of volunteering can fill the void of loneliness and decrease isolation. It creates connection between you and others and is a good reminder that life is hard for others which takes the focus off your own pain and despair.
Therapy: Discussing why you are experiencing loneliness or depression and creating a treatment plan with a Therapist is a great place to begin.
4. COVID- 19 Restrictions
Video Chat: If you are unable to physically be with loved ones due to illness or discomforts of crowd, video chatting can eliminate this risk. You can still be a part of the holidays from the safety of your own space.
Whatever your reason for experiencing holiday blues some of the above tips can assist you. Other suggestions include eating a balanced diet, getting adequate rest/sleep, and not excessively drinking alcohol or using drugs which can magnify feelings of anxiety and depression. With a little extra effort on your part, this holiday season does not have to become a battle between you and the holiday blues. We hope you notice that the one thread that is consistent in the above tips is finding a trained professional to walk alongside you as you deal with the holiday blues. You do not have to battle this out on your own. We are here to help and look forward to meeting and connecting with you!