‘Tis the season for…? When we allow ourselves to view this time of year objectively, we can recognize the various emotions being provoked. Sure, of course, we can experience strong feelings all year round. But the holiday season is the only time when we’re virtually compelled to be joyful. That alone is enough to cause depression.
From the moment we hit mid-October, it can seem like chaos. We lose sight of discipline and focus while instead embracing denial and self-indulgence. This dynamic can wreak havoc on anyone’s psyche and put quite a damper on the spirit of joy and giving. Fortunately, there are ways to navigate this annual blend of ups and downs.
What Is Holiday Depression?
To accurately use the term “depression” is to apply it to a diagnosable mental health disorder. Therefore, you can get the “holiday blues” without being clinically depressed. Also, you can experience depression near the end of the year for reasons other than the holiday. But, generally speaking, if you display classic depression symptoms in October, November, and December, it’s wise to explore the possibility that the annual observances are negatively affecting you.
Possible Signs of Holiday Depression
- Ongoing episodes of intense sadness
- Feeling unable to enjoy activities you once enjoyed
- Mood swings (including angry outbursts and conflicts)
- Social withdrawal
- Self-medicating with anything from substance use to holiday sweets
- Dramatic shifts in your sleep patterns
- Physical aches and problems that you can’t explain
- Elevated anxiety
- Not getting into the “holiday spirit” and feeling guilty about it
Why Is Holiday Depression So Common?
Unrealistic expectations can put pressure on you and leave you feeling inadequate in terms of living up to the hype. Contributing factors may include:
- Loneliness: You may live far away or not have much family or many friends. If someone close to you has died in the past year, the holidays can be a painful reminder.
- Loss of Meaning: Most holidays have been so commercialized that the materialism becomes too much to take.
- Being Overwhelmed: You have your normal life functions to attend to, but now, there are parties, shopping, etc. adding to the to-do list.
- Feeling Out of Sorts: Your schedule can be fully sabotaged for a couple of months, thus making you feel adrift and out of control.
- Overindulging and Neglecting the Basics: You spend, eat, drink, and party at the expense of sleep, exercise, healthy food and drink choices, and basic relaxation.
Coping with Holiday Depression
Lower Expectations
Reject perfectionism and accept that you can’t and shouldn’t make everyone happy. Get comfortable saying “no” when you feel it’s necessary and resist the temptation to overdo a wide range of bad choices.
Say “Yes” When It Feels Healthy
Not overextending yourself is a wise decision, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ever say “yes.” Choose wisely, but avoid the urge to isolate yourself.
Bring Joy to Someone Else
If even you’re not feeling it for yourself, you can be a source of holiday joy for someone else. This provides a sense of mission and purpose that will help counteract depressive episodes. The gratitude you receive in return is a proven source of positive energy.
Stick to Your Self-Care Routines
No one should be allowed to make you compromise on self-care. The best holiday gift is self-love.
Talk to Someone Who Can Help
Depression is a very serious condition that can lead to self-harm. Please do not downplay or ignore what you’re feeling. A skilled professional on depression counseling can guide you without judgment to better understand what’s happening and how to turn things around. To repeat, the best holiday gift is self-love. Keep that in mind and reach out for support today.
