The holiday season isn’t joyous for everyone. The stress of making things perfect for everyone else, loneliness, and grief are some of the reasons people experience holiday depression. If you struggle to get through the holidays every year, an anxiety disorder treatment program may help.
Holiday depression typically feels like regular depression, but it’s triggered by all of the parties, family gatherings, and other celebratory events that happen this time of year. If you or someone you know feels consistently low during the holiday season, call Promises at 844.875.5609 to speak with a mental health professional.
Reasons for Holiday Depression
Anyone of any age, race, or socioeconomic status can become depressed during the holiday season. The reasons for low mood at this time of year are as varied as the people who experience it. You may feel excluded because of your religious tradition, or perhaps you’re celebrating Christmas for the first time after the death of a loved one.
Other possible reasons include:
- Loneliness or social isolation
- Social anxiety
- Conflicts with family members
- Financial stress
- Burnout or a stressful holiday schedule
- Too much pressure
- Past holiday trauma
It’s easy to assume everyone else in the world is happy and loved, but the truth is that many people struggle with their mental health during the holiday season.
The Holiday Blues vs. Seasonal Depression
Mood changes during the holiday season could be a sign of seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Because the term “holiday season” typically refers to the winter months, individuals can be experiencing SAD but believe their depression is specifically holiday-related.
The symptoms of seasonal and holiday depression are similar and may include:
- Feeling low on energy
- Losing interest in favorite activities
- Having trouble concentrating
- Sleeping too much
- Craving carbohydrates
- Experiencing suicidal ideation
- Feeling lonely or hopeless
The timing and duration of symptoms hold clues about which type of depression you’re experiencing. Holiday depression symptoms typically don’t begin until November or December, when celebrations are in full swing. SAD symptoms tend to set in during the early fall season.
Tips for Dealing With Holiday Depression
Finding ways to cope with holiday depression is important for your overall mental health. Here are some tips that might help:
Honor a Loved One
If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, find ways to honor their memory. Instead of ignoring their absence at family gatherings, make a toast in their honor or share a favorite holiday memory about them. It may be emotional, but acknowledging the loss instead of ignoring it could help you to deal with heavy feelings.
Donate Your Time
Volunteering to help others is an effective way to boost your mood and maintain perspective during the holidays. Instead of fixating on the things you don’t have, focus on what you can give. Join a food or toy drive to help brighten the holidays for those who need a little extra help.
Set Boundaries on Time and Money
The holiday season shouldn’t be seen as a competition. There will always be those with more expensive presents or throwing bigger parties. If you aren’t up to hosting the traditional family gathering this year, don’t pressure yourself to do it. Let your family know you need help or suggest meeting at someone else’s home this time.
Financial stress can cause holiday depression as well. Simplifying gift-giving is good for the budget, yes, but it’s also good for the spirit. Large families might consider drawing names for gift-giving instead of buying presents for every member. Let the kids know there will be a limit on gifts this year and focus on spending time together instead.
Schedule a Consultation for Seasonal Depression at Promises Today
Holiday depression may be short-lived, but the symptoms can still be debilitating. If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide during the holiday season, call 911 or 988 (the National Suicide Prevention Hotline).
Treatment for holiday and seasonal depression is available and effective. Call Promises at 844.875.5609 or complete our online contact form to speak with a mental health professional about treatment options.