When people think of the holidays, having a joyous time with friends and family often comes to mind. However, the holidays can also cause a lot of depression for some people. In fact, studies show that depression cases spike between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. If you struggle with holiday depression, it’s crucial that you know how to deal with it.
Understand What Causes Holiday Depression
The first step to overcoming the holiday blues is to understand what causes it. While many factors play into the development of depression, there are a few key ones during the holidays. Depression during the holidays is typically the result of issues such as:
- Finances
- Stress
- Grief
- Divorce
- Loneliness
- Seasonal affective disorder
In 2016, the American Census reported that nearly 47% of Americans were single. On top of that, almost 27% lived alone. With the holidays being about spending time together, these people are more likely to suffer from holiday depression.
Dealing With Depression
Just understanding depression doesn’t always help you avoid it. For that reason, it’s important to know a few tips that can help you deal with the holiday blues.
First, make plans to spend the holidays with others. Doing so gives you an idea of what you’ll do throughout the season. If you have plans for the holidays, it also means that you won’t spend them alone.
Second, try your best to put off or avoid making unnecessary stressful decisions until after the holidays. The holidays are stressful enough without having to deal with tough decisions that can wait. Also, depression during the holidays is often the result of trying to do it all. You don’t have to plan everything yourself, so ask family members for help.
In addition, keep in mind that you don’t have to make everything perfect. Your family members will enjoy the holidays no matter what. This element is a significant cause of depression for women because they burden themselves to make the holidays just right.
Lastly, give yourself plenty of time. Many people wait way too long to start shopping and wrapping presents. Then, they have a lot of shopping, wrapping, and planning to do at the last minute. It’s not uncommon for this mad rush to bring about the holiday blues.
You Don’t Have to Deal With Depression Alone
Experiencing depression during the holidays can make you feel hopeless. Thankfully, you don’t have to deal with it alone. You can get help dealing with depression at PACE Mental Health Houston. We provide Houston seasonal affective disorder therapy and other mental health services, including:
- Bipolar disorder
- Anger management
- Psychotherapy
- Sleep disorders
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Anxiety disorders
Don’t let your depression ruin your holiday. Learn more about how to deal with your holiday depression the right way. Reach out to our friendly staff today at 866.971.8423 for help.
