Depression and stress increase over the holiday period from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, reports "Psychology Today." For many people, the holiday season is filled with entertaining, cleaning, shopping, baking and family get-togethers. These things can create stress and lead to depression, especially if you're expectations are too high and you put too much pressure on yourself. Instead of letting the holidays overwhelm you, take steps to prevent stress in order to overcome holiday depression.
Step 1
Allow yourself to feel, even if those feelings are sad and lonely, recommends MayoClinic.com. The holiday season doesn't equal happiness for everyone, especially those that have recently lost a loved one or experienced a breakup or divorce. Once you've allowed room for those feelings, they'll be easier to manage and you might be able to move on.
Step 2
Spend time with loved ones and surround yourself with positive people. The holiday season can seem lonely, but you can take steps to prevent this by volunteering, attending social events and spending time with your religious community. Plan time to spend with friends and family members, and try to connect with one person each day. For instance, talk to your sister on the phone for 10 minutes one day, send a card to a friend the next day and then have lunch with a co-worker.
Step 3
Learn to say "no." You'll increase your levels of stress and depression if you take on too many things. If you're having your family over for Thanksgiving, ask another family member to host Christmas. Think about each social event and obligation before you commit to attending. If you don't want to go and don't have the time to go, then don't attend.
Step 4
Exercise and eat healthfully when possible. When you stop exercising and overindulge, it'll only make your feelings of stress and guilt worse, reports MayoClinic.com. Spend at least 20 minutes each day exercising and practice self-restraint at holiday parties. You can still have holiday goodies if you exercise portion control.
Step 5
Prevent stress each day by doing something that you enjoy. Take at least 10 minutes each day for yourself in order to combat depression. Read a book, take a bubble bath, meditate or do something else that makes you happy.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't spend more money than you can afford to spend, even if it means not getting your daughter the designer jeans she wants. She'll get over it and you'll be able to pay your bills which is more important than material things under the Christmas tree. Financial stress increases depression. Shop in advance to get great deals, prevent stress and stick within your budget.
- If you experience thoughts of suicide, get immediate help. Call 911, a suicide hotline or your therapist, or go to your local psychiatric emergency room.
