Holiday Depression & Anxiety

As the winter holiday season is coming up, we have to maintain awareness of our mental health. For many of us, the holiday season is filled with joy, fun, and time to gather with family and friends. Although, for some of us, this season is not short of sadness, self-reflection, loneliness, and extreme anxiety. So the question remains, what are some causes of holiday blues?…

Some holiday realities consist of unrealistic expectations, overcommercialization, financial stress, inability to see family, and or, the inability to cope with demands. These instances are common and perfectly acceptable to experience. Yet, while we undergo these struggles, it is important to not allow ourselves to fall apart. By maintaining awareness, we may approach the season with an understanding of our emotional responses. 

Symptoms of holiday depression and anxiety include headaches, excessive drinking, overeating, and insomnia. Be conscious of these symptoms and never hesitate to ask for help. If these symptoms prolong past the holiday, they may be a sign of true depressive disorder. 

Overall, complicated holiday blues are no fun! Yet, there are multiple coping mechanisms available to ease the experience. Such as, limiting commitment, making holiday arrangements to share the responsibilities, and taking time to rest and rejuvenate. Most importantly, counseling and support systems might provide you with tools and resources for relieving some of the burdens. Counselors are always willing to help you acknowledge your troubled feelings and be social support in difficult times. 

Edited by TLC intern, Ashley Fano