Depression and the Christmas Season
Depression at Christmas does not take a holiday. In fact, the stresses of the holiday season increase and focus feelings of depression and make the Christmas season a difficult and challenging time. If you are experiencing some of the signs of depression listed below, make a New Year Resolution to seek help.
- Feeling negative about yourself and your life
- Feeling hopeless
- Experiencing anxiety
- Feeling inadequate
- Feeling unable to enjoy things you used to like doing
- Loss of sex drive
- Loss of energy and motivation
- Loss of sleep
- Poor concentration
- Frequent minor health problems
- Feeling irritable or moody
- Feeling guilty
- Feeling agitated
- Feeling unhappy
- Feeling lonely
- Gaining weight
- Experiencing thoughts of suicide
To get through the worries, tensions, loneliness of the holiday season try these coping suggestions:
- Talk about how you feel to those who are close to you.
- Stop trying to do everything, and let go.
- Reach out and find a way to make your Christmas a meaningful and fulfilling experience.
- Please yourself with at least one thing you enjoy, and celebrate in your own way.
- Be moderate in both eating and drinking. Alcohol is a depressant. Sugar will make you feel worse later.
Depression is not a life sentence. The majority of cases of depression respond to appropriate interventions and support. Take action. Seek help. Take the first step. Call a professional counselor and make that first appointment.