Post by SunnyGirl on Dec 16, 2003 12:33:55 GMT -5
SURVIVING HOLIDAY STRESS AND DEPRESSION
Avoiding holiday depression and stress
Although the holidays are supposed to be a time full of
joy, good cheer, and optimistic hopes for a new year,
many people experience seasonal "blues". What's
important to know is that there are steps you can take
to help beat the blues this holiday season.
The "holiday blues" can be caused by many factors:
other stress reactions during the holidays, such as
headaches, excessive drinking, overeating and difficulty
sleeping.
Although many people become depressed during the
holiday season, even more respond to the excessive
stress and anxiety once the holidays have passed. This
post holiday letdown can be the result of emotional
disappointments experienced during the preceding
months, as well as the physical reactions caused by
excess fatigue and stress.
There are several ways to identify potential sources of
holiday depression that can help you head off the
blues:
--- Mental Health Association of Colorado
Avoiding holiday depression and stress
Although the holidays are supposed to be a time full of
joy, good cheer, and optimistic hopes for a new year,
many people experience seasonal "blues". What's
important to know is that there are steps you can take
to help beat the blues this holiday season.
The "holiday blues" can be caused by many factors:
- increased stress and fatigue
- unrealistic expectations
- over-commercialization
- the inability to be with one's family.
- increased demands of shopping
- parties
- family reunions and house guests also contribute
to these feelings of tension.
other stress reactions during the holidays, such as
headaches, excessive drinking, overeating and difficulty
sleeping.
Although many people become depressed during the
holiday season, even more respond to the excessive
stress and anxiety once the holidays have passed. This
post holiday letdown can be the result of emotional
disappointments experienced during the preceding
months, as well as the physical reactions caused by
excess fatigue and stress.
There are several ways to identify potential sources of
holiday depression that can help you head off the
blues:
- keep expectations for the holiday season manageable
by not trying to make the holiday "the best ever". Set
realistic goals for yourself. Pace yourself. Organize your
time. Make a list and prioritize the most important
activities. Be realistic about what you can and cannot
do. - remember that the holiday season does not
automatically banish reasons for feeling sad or lonely.
There is room for these feelings to be present, even if
you choose not to express them. - let go of the past. Don't be disappointed if your
holidays are not like they used to be. Life brings
changes. Each holiday season is different and can be
enjoyed in its own way. Don't set yourself up for
sadness by thinking everything has to be just like
the "good old days". Look forward to the future. - do something for someone else. It is an old remedy,
but it can help. Try volunteering some time to help
others. - enjoy holiday activities that are free, such as driving
around to look at holiday decorations. Go window
shopping without buying anything. - don't drink too much. Excessive drinking will only
make you more depressed. - don't be afraid to try something new. Celebrate the
holidays in a way you have not done before. - spend time with people who are supportive and who
care about you. Reach out to make new friends if you
are alone during special times. Contact someone with
whom you have lost touch. - find time for yourself. Don't spend all of your time
providing activities for your family and friends.
--- Mental Health Association of Colorado
. I will be back looking for Lin and others.