The holidays are just around the corner, and it won’t be long before the stores are decked out in holiday regalia and streets aglow with colorful lights and decorations.
But warm and fuzzy as it would be great to feel over the next few months, the “holiday blues” are the greater reality for a huge percentage of adults. Psychologists say that might be the case in particular this year because there are already so many economic stressors – job losses, pay cuts and so on –with which to deal.
The “most wonderful time of the year" makes those feelings a lot worse – especially because we’re supposed to be happy.
There is a reason to smile, though. The holiday blues are truly treatable – so much so that the next time you smile at a holiday party, you could truly mean it.
But first, a note of warning: It is important to understand the difference between the holiday blues and serious depression, a medical condition that affects tens of millions Americans and possibly more because so many go without seeking treatment, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.gov)
The holiday blues lessen once the season passes, in most cases. Not so serious depression and related conditions.
The NIMH says signs and symptoms of serious depression include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Irritability, restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
- Overeating, or appetite loss
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
- Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treat
For those with the holiday blues, here are a few steps to a holiday season you can enjoy.
· Ignore commercials! Seriously. Plug your ears and chant, or, if you can, fast forward. That is to say, don’t let your expectations be artificially increased. Life is not a commercial.
· Don’t go negative. Have issues with a parent, a sibling, a child? Try to put them aside for the moment. Thanksgiving dinner is not the place to resolve them. Screaming matches while opening presents …well…obviously there are no winners there.
· Delegate, and – once you do – do not expect your idea of perfection. Give your inner Martha Stewart a rest. Let the kids make the table decorations, or even the pie {with minimal supervision, and if they are old enough). No matter the results, be happy the kids wanted to be a helpful part of the festivities. That is not always the case as they get older, as many parents know. In short, ask for help.
· Make sure you have alone time. All those parties and other activities can be very draining. You can’t be of much assistance, let alone be a happy participant, if you’re stressed out or anxious. So take a break and do something that re-charges you. Relax. Let go. Try to find perspective. Quiet your mind. You deserve it. A rested mind and body is good for everyone.
· Don’t drink too much. It is easy to over-indulge during the holidays. But alcohol is a depressant, and you’ll feel a lot worse if you drink too much. Try some sparkling juice instead. You’ll thank yourself in the morning.
Comments