Holiday Blues? Beat Christmas Depression

Are you suffering the holiday blues- Depression during the “Happiest” of Times

The holiday blues often strike as we go back to work after a break, but are, for many, worse at Christmas time. Why is this so common during this supposedly most wonderful time of the year? Is it simply because of the extra demands put on you during the holidays? ? Is it because many feel that their life isn’t as full as it’s supposed to be with close and loving family and friends?

What about New Years Eve? It’s supposed to be so great right? But is it really or do you, like me feel it’s forced fun and if I’m not really enjoying myself then maybe others know something I don’t. I’m supposed to be having this great time and often it doesn’t live up to all the hype. So, instead I sink into the holiday blues, longing to get back to work where, at least, I feel in control again!

Many people feel the age-old “holiday blues” at this time of year. Click to tweet

You would expect people to be happy with all the decorations of the holiday season, holiday parties and spread of good cheer, along with the ending of a year of promise. Yet many default to the thoughts of loses, unresolved grief, anticipation of a significant loss to come, comparing holidays past to the present, disappointment of choices made, thoughts of unfulfilled expectations, all culminating into a sense of loneliness.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-donna-dannenfelser/holiday-blues_1_b_6291818.html

Expectations will kill ya, or at least hurt your frame of mind. Click to tweet

Being realistic helps with the holiday blues

To start let’s be realistic. No, your mother never likes your hair and wanting her to is unrealistic. Putting any importance on whether or not your mother approves of you once you’re grown, particularly something as personal as your hair is a recipe for unhappiness. And that goes for anyone’s approval, not just your mothers.

Ask yourself if your happiness depends on another’s approval. Click to Tweet

Once again we’re back to appreciation. To appreciate what we do have rather than looking at what others have and wishing that we had it too. The truth is looks can be deceiving. When we’re in a “victim” type mode our viewpoint of what others have and what is supposed to be is deeply skewed and always in favor of making us feel even worse. Awareness of this is crucial to keep depression and holiday blues at bay.Try some mindfulness anti-depression exercises here

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/judith-johnson/holiday-tips_b_4317541.html

What you do in your inner mental and emotional kingdom will determine whether you suffer through yet another bout of holiday blues or do your best to ensure that you optimize your chances to have a delightful time. Blaming and judging others for your dissatisfaction keeps you stuck in your unhappiness. If you want to create, promote, and allow yourself to sing a different tune this year, you have to get in the driver’s seat to make that happen. If change worries you, read my post on making positive changes happen

Here are some ways to guard against falling deeply into the pit of depression any time but particularly how to avoid the holiday blues

1. Recognize that your feelings are normal. Many feel exactly the way you do.
2. Feel your feelings yet don’t try and justify them by mentally reliving your misery. That will only make you feel worse.
3. Do something for others in need Click to Tweet

• That’s an easy way to feel good about yourself and even bring extra meaning or different meaning into the season.
• For example instead of the meaning being: ‘I don’t have the family and friends others do’ it can now be “Holidays are the time of year that I give to people who need me.”

4. Cut back on the alcohol and sugar.

• It’s amazing that this is the time of the year we all indulge in more “party” types of foods and beverages, yet science tells us that both alcohol and sugar have a depressing effect on our minds and our spirits.

5. Reach out to others and let them know you need some company . Click to Tweet

• Most people will be happy to include you in their plans. This is a time of year most understand that others need a sense of family or community and we’re happy to lend ours.

6. Keep your normal exercise routine.

• When we allow ourselves to go a little crazy in one area it’s pretty natural to say “what’s the use” and throw up our hands in defeat and stop doing any of our healthy habits. Remember the more of your normal routine you hang onto the easier it will be to bounce back from the holiday blues.

7. Be very careful about making New Years resolutions. Click to Tweet

I for one don’t believe that just because it’s January 1^st my life is going to change.

True change only works by making small daily changes that are somewhat comfortable so we can stick to them.

If this time of the year is challenging for you and you suffer from the holiday blues, remember, that that this too shall pass.

Be sure and listen to this weeks radio guest, clinical hypnotherapist and addiction specialist, Warren Broad as he gives you tips to keep from falling into depression this time of year and how you can beat the holiday blues.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yourhappinessway/2014/12/12/depression-addiction-overload-at-holiday-time-warren-broad-lorane-gordon

If you could do with some help, handling this holiday period, contact me about coaching

Do let me know your tips for surviving the holiday blues, comment below