Powering Through the Holiday Feeling’s
The holidays can be the most beautiful time to spend looking at decorations, being with family, and eating home-cooked meals. For as many as 80 percent of people, the holidays are also filled with stress, depression, and anxiety. For anyone who is not feeling as cheery as everyone else, know you are not alone. The winter brings cold and flu season, shorter days, and cold weather. These things can all compromise your immune system and your mood, too.
If you aren’t feeling like yourself, or if you notice that you are feeling blue, you may have something called seasonal affective disorder. This disorder, oftentimes, occurs in the transition period of summer going into winter. Lack of sunlight, colder weather, and the stress of the holidays can often make us feel overwhelmed and disinterested in things we used to find joy in. As many as 64 percent of people say that depression and anxiety worsen during the festive season.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder:
Feeling depressed and hopeless
Lack of interest in activities
Sleep increasing or decreasing
Appetite changes
Isolation
If you notice yourself or anyone else having symptoms related to seasonal affective disorder, it is okay to reach out for help. Whether professional, familial, or friendly, finding support can be helpful in getting through the holidays.
Here are some ways to combat seasonal affective disorder:
Tell Family or Friends: Telling your friends or family what you are going through can help them understand why the holidays may be difficult for you. It could also lead to some extra support you may need during this time.
Reach Out to a Professional: Sometimes it can be tough reaching out to friends and family when you are going through a tough time. A professional can lend a non-judgemental ear and can help you learn coping skills for the future.
Use Light Therapy: Using a light box for 20-30 minutes per day can mimic the benefits of the sun during the winter when the sun is out for a shorter period of time.
Seasonal affective disorder is not the only thing that gets people down during the holidays. Financial stress, busy schedules, and family dynamics can all add unwanted depression and anxiety to anyone trying to move through the hustle and bustle. Recently experiencing a loss or a separation from a loved one can also add to feeling sad, lonely, and isolated. The pressure of getting food made, wrapping gifts, and hosting family can be overwhelming leading to stress.
Here are some tips to combat holiday stress:
● Plan Ahead: The holidays often bring up several get-togethers, events, and other commitments that take place on the same days. Plan your schedule ahead of time and prioritize your gatherings as best as you can. If you are hosting, create a menu, and don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring sides or desserts!
● Budget: Financial stress is often the culprit of irritability, depression, and anxiety during the holidays. Be sure to create a budget if there are multiple people you are buying for this year. Better yet, buy throughout the year in order to avoid last minute spending sprees.
● Maintain Healthy Habits: The holidays are often a big reason for ruining healthy habits. Filling up on fruits and vegetables can be a great way to add freshness to any meal or spread.
● Be Realistic: No one is expecting you to have a perfect holiday, so it is okay if you have to change plans or do something different than you have always done. Enjoy the people you have around you, make the effort to connect if you cannot be everywhere in person.
In summary, it’s normal for people to struggle with feelings of sadness, anxiety, and feeling out of it, but if you feel this way more than usual or have a hard time getting out if the funk you are in, it may be a good idea to reach out for professional help. We at Therapy Cincinnati have therapists who can see you within 7-10 days of reaching out, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you think you could benefit from talking with someone.