Stress, Depression and the Holidays
Written by: Sylvia Ruiz, LPC-Associate
The holiday season can be very stressful, but it may come with some depression that can make you feel like your holidays are ruined.
It is the season of cooking meals, shopping, baking, cleaning, and entertaining to name a few of the demands. You might be stressing about your and your loved one's health during the pandemic, getting everything done, making sure all the gifts were wrapped and all the lists checked.
Here are some practical tips to help prevent holiday stress and depression:
Acknowledge your feelings.
If someone close to you has recently passed away or you aren't able to be with your loved ones for other reasons, give yourself some grace and know that it is normal to feel sadness and grief. It is perfectly OK to take time to cry or express your feelings because they are valid.
Reach out.
If you feel isolated or lonely, reach out to family, friends, or your community. Many websites may have online support groups, social media events, or virtual events. If you are feeling stressed out, it can help to talk to a family member or friend about your concerns. Try video calling or calling or texting! Volunteering your time or doing something to help others is also a good way to lift your spirits and make new friends.
Be realistic.
The holidays do not have to be perfect or like the previous year. As families grow and change, traditions and rituals can too, creating new ones is a chance to still celebrate in a new way.
Set aside differences.
Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.
Learn to say no.
Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity. If it's not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.
Take a breather.
Make some time for yourself and find an activity that you enjoy most. Take a break by yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm. Some options may include: Taking a walk at night and stargazing, listening to soothing music, or reading a book.
Seek professional help if you need it.
Even with your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, dominated by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.
Restoring Hope Counseling has multiple Therapists on staff with some who are able to take insurance, and some who are interns and provisionally licensed staff, who can provide counseling at a discounted rate. They all provide in Person or Telehealth sessions. Visit our “Meet our Team” page or contact us for further information to help you find the person who is the best fit for you.
