People often experience the holidays in different ways. For some, it can be a time of joy, happiness, and celebrating with family and friends. For others, however, the holiday season can be a difficult time filled with sadness and loneliness.
Expects site a variety of reason for the condition that has been referred to as the Holiday Blues. High or unrealistic expectations, being overwhelmed with planning, organizing, and activities, remembering past, unhappy holidays or missing loved ones who are no longer present, and the presumption that one should feel joyful are all reasons one might feel down and depressed during the holidays.
According to the Center for Disease Control, the holiday blues affect men and women, young and old. Although the symptoms can resemble a clinical depression, the holiday blues are temporary. People suffering from the condition may feel hopeless, angry, and overwhelmed. Negative associations around the holiday season can trigger bad memories or feelings.
To help yourself survive the holidays, remember the following tips:
- Remind yourself that the holidays don’t have to be perfect
- Eat well, sleep well, exercise
- Don’t force yourself to be happy
- Use humor
- Be careful about resentments related to past holidays and try to stay positive
- Create time for yourself
- Say the Serenity Prayer