Beat the holiday blues — and know when they’re something major
November 1
A variety of factors can lead to the holiday blues, but it’s also important to know when symptoms are a sign of major depression or anxiety.
Although the holidays are a time of joy for many, they can also trigger symptoms of anxiety and depression to different degrees.
There are several reasons people may experience symptoms of anxiety or depression over the holidays. Symptoms may indicate the “holiday blues or be signs of a more serious major depression.
Common causes of the holiday blues:
Unrealistic fantasies about our families – Frequently during the holiday season, we will see movies that picture “the wonderful life,” exemplified by “perfect” families. Unrealistic expectations that one’s own family should meet these high standards can be quite depressing. Try to be realistic and emphasize your family’s strengths rather than weaknesses.
Unrealistic expectations about ourselves – During the holidays, we frequently meet other people that are quite successful and are advancing throughout their careers. This may lead us to place unrealistic expectations on ourselves concerning our own accomplishments, or our perceived lack of them. None of us are perfect, and sometimes we develop unrealistic expectations over the holidays of what we should accomplish and focus our failures. Be realistic in what you seek to achieve, both personally and professionally. Don’t label the holidays as a time to cure all past problems. The holidays do not prevent sadness or loneliness.
Over scheduling – There is sometimes a desire to meet with as many people as possible that we have not been able to see during the year. This results in a packed schedule. Frequently, we will feel rushed and burdened by the need to interact with so many over such a short period. Don’t overbook yourself. Try to limit the number of interactions and think carefully about who you wish to meet.
Lack of planning – It is not uncommon to see people running around malls at the last minute because they delayed purchasing gifts. This adds a great deal of stress and contributes to holiday blues.
Increased alcohol use – It is common during the holiday period for people to celebrate. Unfortunately, a certain percentage may drink too much. Alcoholism is also a disorder that commonly occurs with depression. Limit your drinking and remember that it is okay if you don’t feel festive. Accept your inner experience and do not force yourself to express specific feelings.
Food for the holidays – During the holidays, there is a tendency for all of us to eat food that we normally don’t eat, which can lead us to feel fatigue. Before you attend an event, eat a small familiar snack. This will help you avoid going to the event hungry and prevent eating something that may not agree with you.
Lack of sleep – It is not uncommon for people to spend more time celebrating, meeting people and going out. Unfortunately, decreased sleep is a major contributor to feeling tired and lethargic during the day, and may contribute to increased rates of depressive symptoms. It is important during the holiday period to try to develop healthier sleep habits.
Lack of exercise – Because of frequent cold and snowy days, people often exercise less during the holidays. Exercise is a known preventive activity for depressive symptoms, and decreasing the amount of a regular exercise can worsen symptoms.
Lack of time for oneself – A major focus of the holidays is providing things for other people or looking after them. We frequently neglect ourselves during this time. This externalization of efforts can deplete your reserves and worsen symptoms of anxiety or depression. Practice self-care and look out for yourself during the holiday period. The holidays are a wonderful period to reflect, reassess and make plans for the future.
Tell people about your needs if you have recently experienced a tragedy, death, or romantic break-up.
Holiday blues vs. depressive disorder
Comparing the holiday blues to a depressive disorder is like comparing a cold to pneumonia,.. Major depression can destroy joy for living and make it impossible to focus on work and responsibilities. Individuals may experience hopelessness and depressive symptoms such as sadness and tearfulness throughout the day. Thoughts of death or suicide may enter their minds.
Depression is the world’s most common mental ailment, affecting approximately 16 percent of adults at some point in their lives. Stress-related events such as the holidays may trigger half of all depressive episodes.
There are various forms of anxiety. About 10 million adults in the United States suffer from a generalized anxiety disorder, which is an excessive or unrealistic apprehension that causes physical symptoms and last for six months or longer.
Since the holidays may be a period where people experience increased depression or anxiety symptoms, it is important to recognize the signs of major depression. If during the holidays you experience many of the below symptoms to such severity that they interfere with your normal relationships, it is important to seek help from your primary care physician and mental health therapist:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty thinking clearly or making decisions
- Eating more or less than usual, or gaining or losing weight
- Feeling depressed, sad and discouraged
- Feeling hopeless, helpless, or inadequate
- Feeling slow or restless
- Having trouble sleeping, or sleeping more than usual
- Lack of energy
- Loss of interest in once-pleasurable and enjoyable activities
- Persistent thoughts of death or suicide
- Various physical symptoms
- Withdrawal from others