Holiday Blues
It’s the time of year to be joyful! Shouldn’t everyone be happy during the holidays? That’s not always the case. Sadness, loneliness, depression, and anxiety are common feelings for many at this time of year.
Many people feel pressure to be happy during the holidays. When your emotions clash with societal pressure, guilt, confusion, and sadness may follow.
People feel this way during the holidays for a multitude of reasons.
During the winter holidays. Winter’s lack of sunlight negatively affects many. This phenomenon is called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. Your holiday blues during this time may worsen due to a lack of sunshine.
Loneliness! Spending the holidays alone can be incredibly lonely. Some lack family or a partner. Geographic reasons may also be the cause. Or because of poor health.
Financial difficulty. Giving to others is one of the best parts of the holidays. Financial difficulties around this time of year often make people feel inadequate and excluded.
Losses. Holidays bring reflection, and for some, memories of those they’ve lost. Often, your mind wanders to cherished family and friends who are no longer with us. The shadow of loss can darken even the most joyous celebrations.
Some do not had good holiday memories making them hard to endure.
If any of this resonates, here are some ways to combat those holiday blues:
Sunlight: Get at least 10-15 minutes of sun a day to fight off low moods. Winter weather makes this difficult, but please try your hardest. Check out Happy Lights; you can find them in wellness stores or online. They truly help me and others. Also, remember to exercise or just keep moving (in any way). Sunlight and exercise are both helpful in combating the chemical imbalances that cause holiday blues.
Accept your feelings: It’s alright to not feel as happy as expected. Forcing feelings that aren’t present can be self-defeating. There’s no obligation to feel a certain way.
Helping others: Volunteer at a soup kitchen, wrap gifts for underprivileged kids, or spend time with a senior relative or friend. Help an animal shelter. These can be fantastic mood boosters.
Invent your own holiday customs: Forget the idea that holidays must be celebrated a certain way. If you have negative associations with old traditions, create some new ones instead. Whatever YOU want!
Keep Busy: Put enjoyable tasks on your schedule. Spend time with those who uplift you. Too much alone time could make you more depressed.
Try to concentrate on what you’re grateful for, regardless of your situation. Focusing on what’s good in your life right now can really help improve your mood and feelings.
Don’t hesitate to get support when you need it. Lean on your online support groups as well. If your depression is disabling and interfering with your daily activities, or if you are having thoughts of suicide, it is crucial to reach out to a medical professional or hot line right away. And be sure to check out the grieving, coping, and journaling articles. They can help you along the way.
Remember, you’re not alone. A reported 19+ million Americans will be spending the 2024 holidays by themselves (various reasons). And my poor health has meant spending many holidays alone over the last 10 years. Including this past Thanksgiving, again. It’s simpler now, but it still requires some effort. However, the process is considerably easier and less painful.
Do the best you can. One day at a time.
Special Note: This is the part of the platform dedicated to genuine “keeping it real” content. While research informs my advice, this time it’s mainly based on my decades of experience and behavioral observations. Therefore, in this section, I’ll just be myself and do what I love—helping others. I won’t be citing sources here. Hugs, Denise Fixsen