If you’re going through prolonged periods of sadness, it’s a good idea to seek out a mental health therapist.
If you’re going through prolonged periods of sadness, it’s a good idea to seek out a mental health therapist.
The holiday season is meant to create an atmosphere of joy and cheer. With people meeting each other and having a jolly time, it hardly takes a while for one to wrinkle one’s face. Still it happens. Some people feel stressed and unhappy during the holiday season. This is what is called the “holiday blues”. Reasons behind this feeling of sadness can be fear of disappointing others, unattainable expectations, and even Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you’re going through prolonged feelings of sadness, it’s a good idea to seek out a mental health therapist. In the meantime, there are some steps you can take to ward off the holiday blues:
monitor alcohol consumption
Don’t drink too much alcohol. The Royal College of Psychiatrists has found that alcohol affects the chemistry of the brain. This can increase the risk of depression. In addition, hangovers can create a cycle of waking up feeling sick, anxious, irritable, and guilty.
stick to a routine
Ken Duckworth, MD, medical director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, recommends sticking to your normal routine as much as possible. The holidays can be a time when your entire routine gets thrown into disarray. As tempting as it may be to fall asleep, try not to do so. Sticking to your regular routine may seem difficult but reverting to it will be even worse.
set reasonable expectations
Because the holidays are a time when people go out of their way to make their vacation fun, it can be easy to set unrealistic expectations. Whether they pertain to shopping, cooking, or attending gatherings, don’t set goals that you can’t achieve. If you’re having a hard time with holiday activities, get help.
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make self care a priority
While it’s normal to spend on treatment during the holidays, it’s essential to balance it out by planning healthy meals, said Rachel Weir, MD, of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. Also take time off from social media. When you’re feeling down, it can be hard to distinguish how social media doesn’t always portray the truth of people’s lives.
find your support system
Don’t spend the holiday season at home alone. Instead, hang out with your friends or family. Alternatively, get them together for a dinner party. As long as you maintain healthy boundaries, gatherings like these may be just what you need to turn that frown upside down.
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