This pervasive sadness is known informally as holiday blues or holiday depression.
Who Gets the Holiday Blues?
Anyoneeven those who love the seasoncan experience the holiday blues.
Verywell / Catherine Song
The season’s demands, gatherings, decorations, and other stressors leave many people stressed and exhausted.
Add to this the sometimes emotional aspect of special days, and it’s a recipe for the doldrums.
People with a prior mental health condition may be particularly prone to holiday depression.
It can vary in intensity and duration.
Some people might feel down periodically but experience brief periods of relief.
amajor depressive disorder(MDD) that occurs in seasonal patterns during certain months.
Holiday Depression vs. Click below to listen now.
During your appointment, they will ask questions about your symptoms, including the duration and severity.
They might feel regret, failure, or other negative emotions.
Seasonal sadness can affect kids, too.
Watch for the signs and talk to your childs pediatrician if you are concerned.
In many cases, holiday depression can be managed with lifestyle changes and social support.
Your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional forpsychotherapy.
Though the holiday blues are usually short-term, talking to a mental health professional can help.
This approach is known ascognitive behavioral therapy.
Drink Only in Moderation
Alcohol is a depressant, and drinking too much can exacerbate negative feelings.
You don’t need to go cold turkey.
Instead, limit your consumption and don’t use alcohol to deal with or avoid difficult emotions.
If you choose to drink, limit yourself to one or two alcoholic drinks at social functions.
Particularly if you’re on your own, reaching out and findingsocial supportcan be all the more difficult.
If youre feeling lonely, ask a friend to come over for a heart-to-heart.
Join a local club, volunteer for something you believe in, or see a counselor for support.
Holiday invites can turn into stressful social obligations.
Small favors can morph into huge projects that you didn’t anticipate.
Avoid overcommitting by knowing your limits andlearning how to say “no.”
Find Time for Yourself
check that that you leave enough time for yourself to relax.
But it is also important to keep yourexpectations realistic and reachable.
Holidays change just as people change.
Kids grow older, people move, and new people will become a part of your life.
The holidays dont have to be perfect to be special.
They dont have to be exactly like the holidays of the past to be just as meaningful and memorable.
They will help diagnose your signs and symptoms and discuss treatment options, including psychotherapy and medications.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Start by paying attention to whatever’s contributing to your stress and anxiety.
Understanding the causes of your seasonal sadness can help you cope with these triggers before they hijack your happiness.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Mental health and the holiday blues.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Tips for managing the holiday blues.
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