‘Tis the season of merry and bright, but what do you do when your mood doesn’t match the twinkling lights on your tree?
First things first, don’t be too hard on yourself. Turns out, feeling like a lump of coal during the holidays is a pretty common phenomenon.
Indeed, the “holiday blues”—feelings of loneliness, loss, or isolation that intensify during the holidays—are prevalent this time of year, and not just among those diagnosed with clinical depression. One survey by the American Psychological Association found that 38% percent of people experience increased stress during the holiday season.
And for those who do struggle with mental illness year-round, feelings of loneliness and depression can intensify during the holidays. According to a survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 24% of people with a diagnosed mental illness find their condition gets “a lot” worse this time of year, and 40% “somewhat” worse.”
Finally, with COVID-19 in our midst, we’re facing even more holiday stressors—added financial strain, missing friends, no family feasts or Macy’s Day parade. While it’s okay to feel sad, anxious, and angry about these losses, it’s important to recognize when your seasonal blues become serious. Below, tips on beating the holiday blues:
Let’s face it: There are hundreds of reasons to feel stressed, down, or just plain overwhelmed during the holidays. While pinpointing the exact cause of your blues can be difficult, possible factors include:
Constant crowds, Christmas carols on loop, and a jam-packed social calendar: Just a few of the things that make the holidays feel extra hectic. All that stress can interfere with feeling the holiday spirit.
An overextended bank account—coupled with the pressure of buying gifts for family and friends—can create an undue burden.
During the holidays, there’s an expectation to reconnect with relatives.
Your family is supposed to be your safe space—a source of encouragement and support. Sadly, that’s not always the case. Spending time with people you don’t get along with (even if that “time” virtual), can be emotionally draining.
Our society puts Christmas on a pedestal. It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, and it comes with a lot of unrealistic expectations for how we should feel. When the holidays don’t live up to these expectations, we can feel seriously down in the dumps.
The holidays can be an isolating time of year, especially if you’re away from your loved ones and friends. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may exacerbate these feelings, presenting new challenges for this holiday season.
Some people’s winter depression is not holiday-related at all, but rather, has to do with the season itself. S.A.D. is a condition that causes fatigue and feelings of depression during the winter months. If you’re experiencing symptoms of the disorder, talk to a doctor to find a treatment that works for you.
Who wouldn’t want a perfect, Norman Rockwell-esque Christmas, like the ones you seen on the Hallmark Channel? However, fantasy-fueled expectations can set you up for some serious holiday disappointment.
Instead of expecting a cookie-cutter Christmas where everything goes smoothly, remind yourself that even the best-laid plans go awry—especially during a global pandemic.
Go into the holidays with an open-minded, flexible attitude. Tell yourself that yes, cats do knock over Christmas trees from time to time. Relatives can drink a little too much merlot and start arguing about politics on Google Meet—again. Sometimes, people hate their gifts and do a really poor job of hiding it. Take the good with the bad, and remind yourself that the “bad” moments don’t have to detract from the special ones.
For some, a good Christmas means getting through the day with as little conflict as possible—and that’s totally okay!
During the holidays, there’s a lot of pressure to do everything―say yes to every (virtual) holiday party, buy gifts for everyone, and go out of your way to make others happy.
At the end of the day, do what’s best for you. Set clear limits on what you’re able and willing to give—whether it’s your time, money, or emotional energy. Sometimes that means saying “no,” declining events, and setting strict limits on your spending.
When it’s not possible to say no, make sure you’re taking time for yourself. Whether it’s listening to music, taking a bath, or doing yoga, carving out a little “you time” can work wonders for your stress.
Even if you’re away from family, there are small things you can do to ward off loneliness this holiday season.
At this point in the pandemic, you’ve heard it a thousand times, but: Try picking up the phone and calling an old friend or close family member. Reach out to a new acquaintance, volunteer your time at a local charity, or attend a socially-distance or virtual community event.
Did you love Christmas as a kid? Nostalgia for holidays past can leave you feeling blue.
Instead of mourning old traditions, start some new ones—either solo, or with loved ones. Try out a new cookie recipe, start a virtual White Elephant exchange with friends, make handmade ornaments with your niece, or dress your dog up like Santa Claus and have a photoshoot. Creating special rituals to look forward to will stop the ghosts of Christmas past from haunting your holidays.
During the holidays, it’s important to practice self-care—which isn’t just bubble baths and cupcakes. Self-care also includes the tough stuff, like making sure you’re eating and drinking in moderation.
Because alcohol is a depressant, it can intensify negative feelings you may have around the holidays. Be aware of why you’re drinking. Don’t use alcohol to avoid feeling painful memories and emotions, and try your best to limit your consumption to one or two drinks per social function.
In addition to drinking, eating poorly can also exacerbate issues like stress, anxiety, and depression. Take care of yourself, and don’t slack on your regular exercise. Sticking to your routine can give you a sense of regularity and remind you that, hey—Christmas isn’t so different than any other time of year, and you’re going to get through it.
