6 coping strategies for managing depression symptoms during the holidays

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! For some, at least. The sights and sounds of the holidays are all around us, but if you’re feeling less than cheerful this holiday season, you’re not alone.

Sure, the holidays can be magical for many people. But the fact is, they often come with a few extra guests, and we’re not just talking about your great aunt and uncle. Depression and stress may increase during the times we are Too much social commitment And financially. And if it’s not time to attend events you wouldn’t normally attend and spend money you wouldn’t normally spend, when is a vacation?

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 64% of people with mental illness They find that vacations make their conditions worse. And that doesn’t even include people with undiagnosed mental illness.

Here are some common ones Symptoms of depression During the holiday season, you should be aware of the following:

• Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
• Feeling more tired than usual
• sleep problems
• Worsening of anxiety
• Loss of appetite
• Sudden weight loss or gain

If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms or just want to get ahead of them, here are some strategies to help you deal with the holiday blues.

And for more tips to help fight holiday depression and stress, here’s how Six practical strategies for managing stress this holiday season And Breathing exercises to help reduce your stress.

Tips for coping with depression this holiday season

the world the health The organization reports that approx 280 million people diagnosed with depression in the world. Although depression is common, it is a serious health condition that should not be taken lightly. More than 700,000 people die by suicide each year, often due to depression.

If you’re feeling more depressed or stressed this holiday season, there is Ways to improve mental health And still have a great vacation

Accept your symptoms

No one knows you better than you. search Signs and symptoms which may be out of the norm. Here are some things to watch out for:

• You feel more isolated than usual.
• You behave more erratically or impulsively than usual.
• You are more irritable most of the time.
• You feel sad, lonely, or hopeless.
• You are experiencing sleep disturbances.

It’s always a good idea to Pay attention to concerns It is expressed by close friends and family. If people who love you are concerned about your mental health, they may see signs of depression that you are unaware of.

If you’re experiencing some or all of these symptoms, acknowledging that holiday stress or depression may be to blame can help you get on the road to feeling better.

Do yourself a favor

The holiday season is a time to show kindness, generosity, and compassion to others. Maybe so much that you might put yourself off.

Giving yourself some grace can mean different things to different people, but the general idea behind it is self-compassion. Practice the same compassion you show others. For example, what would you tell your friend if she was feeling down during the holidays? Now imagine saying the same thing to yourself in that situation.

If you can’t attend every party or simply don’t want to, that’s okay. It’s okay if you don’t buy the most expensive gifts or any gifts at all. It’s perfectly okay not to conform to cultural norms that make you stressed, stressed, or anxious.

Keep your plans realistic

Depending on your situation, you may be invited to numerous holiday parties with family, friends, work, church, and other social groups. Or you may not have an invitation at all. Your self-worth does not depend on the number of holiday events you attend this year. Only accept the invitations you want to accept and avoid over-scheduling.

Set a realistic budget for gift shopping. This budget should not lead to financial problems or discomfort. It’s okay to say “no” when it’s necessary, such as a group gift where the shared cost is too much for you.

Sometimes unrealistic expectations are the ones we set for others. Then, if they don’t quite add up, we feel disappointed. Remember this holiday season to avoid creating expectations for others, as this will help you avoid disappointment, but also help your loved ones avoid unnecessary pressure that may lead to their own holiday blues. don’t feel

Limit alcohol

Holiday spirits are a common tradition, whether it’s at parties, sitting with family and friends, or going out for other events. Don’t be fooled that sometimes the relaxing effects of alcohol outweigh its negative effects. When consumed in excess, alcohol can quickly turn from relaxing to depressing.

Alcohol is one Central nervous system depressant And it affects mood and behavior. Even after the alcohol is gone SystemA hangover is known to increase anxiety and stress levels.

In order to decrease Negative effects of alcohol Limit yourself to one or two drinks this holiday season.

Before consuming alcohol while taking prescribed antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, your doctor should take special care of you.

Instead of a Christmas cocktail, try some happy foods This year to boost your spirits

Lean on your family and friends

Spending time with people you enjoy can be a great mood booster. Being in the company of those we love can increase our feelings of acceptance, comfort and security. If you have the holiday blues, it’s okay to talk to your loved ones about it so they can show you the support you need. If they know what’s going on, they can be a better support system.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

When you show symptoms of depression, help can come in many forms. But the most important thing to remember is to never be ashamed to ask for help. Whether it’s talking to a loved one, or getting help from one Mental health specialist Whether it’s about medication or treatment options with a medical provider, it’s important to get the help you need.

If the holidays are hard for you, you’re not alone. Depression and feelings of anxiety are common results of the overspending, over-planning, and loneliness that vacations usually bring. Let self-care and a A stress-free life Be the gift you give yourself this holiday season.

Check us out for more tips on improving your mental health Tips on increasing productivity And How to de-clutter your life.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.