Day 11: Coping skills Christmas Blues
25 Days of Gratitude, Self-Care and Personal Growth
The holidays may be a joyful time of year for people but for many people, depression and the holidays go hand in hand. This time can be triggering for some people because of “memories of lost loved ones, and with that, a sense of yearning or aching to be with them," along with "too high or unrealistic expectations for what things 'should' or 'must' be. This is what is described as the Christmas or Holiday Blues* and it’s quite common.
Signs of the holiday blues include changes in eating and sleeping habits, irritability and fatigue, feeling overwhelmed and stressed, and not experiencing happiness and joy during once pleasurable activities or even feeling anxious or depressed.
Below are some tips on how to cope with the holiday blues*
Accept that you feel the way you do and give yourself a break this holiday season. It’s okay if you do not share the same joy of Christmas as others do. Don’t force yourself to appear to be happy but do what feels natural to you.
Look for ways to release harmful emotions. Reach out.
If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events or communities. 7 Cups is open 24/7 throughout the year; check the community calendar for events.
Follow your routine and don’t abandon healthy habits
Try to exercise at your usual time, go to bed at the same hour, wake up at the same time and eat healthy food.
Volunteering your time to help others is a good way to lift your spirits.
Stick to a budget. Before you do your gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Handmade gifts are unique and can be a wonderful surprise.
Plan ahead. Many things can be prepared well in advance. Avoid putting yourself under pressure by doing things at the “last minute”.
“Say No” if you feel overburdened and get invites you feel nervous about and stick to your plans if you feel that you need “me-time.”
Make some time for yourself. No matter how busy and crazy the final days of this year are, find a few moments to be by yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do.
Don't let the holidays turn into a time of anxiety and depression. Rather, take precautions against the stress and despair that might set in during the holiday season. Acknowledge your seasonal triggers and learn to cope with them.
Participation question:
How do you manage to avoid experiencing excessive stress or the holiday blues?
Helpful resources:
Holiday Blues - How to cope (*)
What are “Holiday Blues” and How to Deal with Them? (*)
Helpful Videos:
Seeking Help
If the holiday blues turn into something more serious or if your sadness doesn’t ease after the holidays are over, your symptoms might be a sign of something else.
Please reach out for guided help if you think your symptoms are related to mental health problems.
Are you looking for a therapist? 7 Cups has online, certified therapists with a paid option. For more information on what happens in online therapy at 7 Cups, Read Lisa’s (a therapist and director of therapy) explanation
https://www.7cups.com/forum/therapy/General_2432/WeveLaunchedTalkTherapyon7Cups_319430/
To apply for 7 Cups online therapy, click on this link (must be logged into member account) https://www.7cups.com/online-therapy/?ob=1
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@amiablePeace77 I beat the holiday blues, by buying myself presents and activities I can play with or do on xmas day 😁❤ I also buy the loved one I lost a xmas present🙂 it helps me to do so ❤❤
merry Christmas Ami ❤ merry Christmas everyone ❤
@Tinywhisper11
It seems you found your special way to beat the Christmas blues! Nice that you treat yourself too!
@amiablePeace77 😁 yep I treated myself to this really cool remote control car this xmas😁😁😁😁 I can't wait
@Tinywhisper11 what about you Ami?? Do you have plans?
@Tinywhisper11
For me Christmas time is a time to chill out, do some baking and engage in creative activities.
@amiablePeace77 ❤😁❤ relaxing is always good ❤
@amiablePeace77
Hi, Ami,
I stay alone and with my cat in my apartment. It's very cozy there.
@purpleTree4652
I could imagine cuddling with Chloe takes all the stress away!
@amiablePeace77
How do you manage to avoid experiencing excessive stress or the holiday blues?
Regarding stress, it depends on why I’m stressed out.
An example being if it’s gift related.
Like if idk what to get for someone or if I knew what someone wanted but it was sold out, then I’d figure out what I should get for people based on how much I know them and make a list of that and get those items and wrap them up as early as possible.
But if a family member or members are stressing me out, then I distance myself as much as I can in as many ways as possible. If I absolutely must be around them I simply just ignore them which will sound rude or disrespectful to some people which I understand but it helps reduce the stress. Especially if they talk about me or directly say/ask me anything.
When I feel like I can’t tolerate it anymore, I just walk away. If I see someone I’m fine with I just tell them I can’t tolerate it anymore so I’m leaving. They’re typically understanding about it and just say ok or no problem.
And I’m really proud of myself for being able to walk away. Some people don’t bc they feel like they can’t. It’s not as easy to walk away from certain situations or people or anything as it sounds. It’s not as simple as “just leave, walk away” as so many people say it. So to have that inner strength in me makes me so happy knowing how strong I am to do that and other things like that.
@akunknown
Good that you worked out strategies that help you! I agree “Just leave, walk away” is not as easy as said but knowing you can do and do not have to endure what might come must give you safety👍
