Don't let a cloud of depression hang over this holiday season.
Some may call it the most joyous time of the year, but there are many aspects of the holiday season that can actually bring you down. Unmet expectations, tight finances, fights among family members, reopened grief over the loss of a loved one, and even poor weather can create unhealthy thought patterns that are anything but festive. If you are prone to the holiday blues, these tips may help.
- Let go of what you can't control. Whether it's an insensitive family member or a sold-out item on your child's wish list, your worries aren't going to help the situation. Perfectionism is toxic during the holiday season. Give yourself and the people around you a pass. You are all only human.
- Keep your budget in check. The holidays are not worth a pile of debt in January. Your children don't need you to overspend in order to create amazing memories. Devise a reasonable budget and stick to it.
- Don't neglect your health. Exercise, nutritious eating habits, and adequate sleep are essential to good mental health. Don't let your holiday festivities interfere with a commitment to healthy living.
- Don't overbook yourself. A schedule packed with extra social activities and volunteer work will leave you feeling harried and empty. You need to take time to recharge.
- Give yourself permission to grieve. The holidays are hard when you've lost a loved one. There's no getting around that fact. Denial will only make it worse. You are allowed to feel sad. If your grief becomes unmanageable, seek the guidance of a trusted counselor.
If your holiday blues have become a deeper issue than just a touch of stress or melancholy, you may benefit from the help of a professional. Take a look at our behavioral health services, or make an appointment now with one of our expert physicians.
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