Feeling blue at the Christmas holidays: How to cope?

Hello everyone,

How are you doing?

Now that the holiday season is fully upon us, I thought I'd open this discussion for us to talk about depression during this period. While for many the Christmas holidays are a period of joy, celebration, and gathering with family and friends, for others it is a time that brings sadness, loneliness, anxiety, or depression.  

Here are a few helpful tips for coping with stress and depression around the holidays:

1. Acknowledge your feelings: Take a moment now and then to check in with yourself and how you are feeling. Are things hectic at work? Did you have an argument with a friend? Have you lost someone close to you? Remember that it is normal to feel stress, frustration, sadness or grief and that it is ok to take some time to express those feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's Christmas.
2. Be open to change: While the greeting cards and films may create a certain image of the Christmas holidays, know that things don't have to be "perfect" or even like they were last year. This year more than ever, they way we celebrate may be different and that's ok. Find new ways to keep traditions alive or create new ones by connecting through pictures, emails or videos or connect virtually through video call. Our holiday plans may look different this year, but we can still find ways to celebrate.
3. Reach out: If you're feeling sad or lonely, reach out to someone and share how you feel. Talking to a friend or family member about your concerns can help, so don't be afraid to send a text or make a call or video chat. In these times many community, religious, or support groups have gone digital - check local websites or social media for online events or services for a sense of community or companionship. Helping others can also raise your spirits and deepen your friendships, consider sending a card or dropping off a meal to a friend's front door this holiday season!
4. Take a breather: Be attuned to your needs and make some time for yourself. Take a moment to do something you enjoy or find relaxing on your own, be it listening to music, reading a book or going for a walk. Spending just 15 minutes on your own can be a great refresher.
5. Don't abandon healthy habits: The holidays are period often filled with good food and relaxing, but when it gets to be too much the overindulgence can add to your stress or guilt. Try to:

• • Get enough sleep
  • Eat balanced, healthy meals
  • Have a healthy snack before a holiday meal so that you don't overindulge
  • Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity in each day
  • Try relaxation techniques when you need it, such as deep breathing, yoga or meditation
  • Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco or drug use
  • Don't be afraid to cut off the screens - our fast-paced information culture can be stressful and overwhelming, make sure to adjust the time you spend reading or watching the news or on social media if needed

And you, what do you think? What are the Christmas holidays like for you? Do you ever have a harder time with winter blues around Christmas? How do you manage when you feel down this time of year?
@Farraghers‍ @Josozzy‍ @newbie‍ @RachelM90‍ @Carolhalliwell‍ @Tracy67‍ @Stardew‍ @NannyJo‍ @PennyLane‍ @Hannah81‍ @Audreyg63‍ @LADolton134‍ @Shannonr‍ @isabeln‍ @Ninamcn‍ @Vera007‍ @Mags111‍ @Wreford‍ @Janey11‍ @Ginny1234‍ 

Feel free to share your thoughts and advice here, we're all here to help and support one another!

Take care,
Courtney