Beating the Holiday Blues

Beating the Holiday Blues

For many, the holidays bring about feelings of joy in the company of loved ones. Spending time with family, celebrations, parties, and getting involved in local community events are considered holiday staples not to be missed. However, there are many who do not experience the holidays in this manner. In fact, some people experience very different feelings such as anxiety, loneliness, and sadness.

Holiday sadness and depression is subjective to each person. Not only can it affect people before the holidays, but it can also continue into the new year. Feeling blue can be due to:

·Stress,

·Fatigue

·Unrealistic Holiday Expectations

·Financial strain

·Lost loved ones/feeling alone

·Inability to visit or be with family/Estrangement from family

For those who are able to experience joy, be a giver this time of year. Offer to help those in need whether it is a nice warm meal with friendly company, or donating your time for a positive cause. If you find yourself suffering this holiday season, there are a few tips you can follow that have the ability to make a significant impact on your outlook for this season.

Tip 1 : Resist the urge to stay inside alone. Make a conscious effort to get out and about. Talk to others, grab a coffee and mingle, join a local group, volunteer at the local library etc. Whatever you choose to do, try to join in the company of others.

Tip 2: If you’ve experienced a loss and it is too difficult to stay where you are and face past memories, give yourself permission to temporarily leave. Book a hotel in a city or town nearby and plan several activities to enjoy.

Tip 3 : Realize you have the ability to create new traditions. Reinvent traditions if past traditions cause you sadness and depression. Bring those cookies you used to make with your children to a nearby hospital to share with staff etc.

Tip 4: Set realistic expectations for the holiday season. Make an effort to create an appropriate budget and stick to it! Don’t try and do it all – list the things you can realistically attend and commit to.

Tip 5: Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, sometimes extra help is required for healing .

Resources : Ionia County Community Mental Health ( 24-Hour Toll-Free Crisis Line: 888-527-1790), The Right Door ( 616.527.1790 ), EightCAP in Orleans- Heat/utility assistance, referrals for food banks and legal services (616-545-2093). For further assistance please contact The Family Medical Center and ask for C:\Users\Robin\Desktop\Beating the Holiday Blues BHB #3.docxC:\Users\Robin\Desktop\Beating the Holiday Blues BHB #3.docxCare Management at 616-374-8881.