Navigating Through the Holiday Blues

Posted December 09, 2024

As the holidays are approaching, many people may experience a variety of emotions.

For some, the holidays are the most wonderful time of year to celebrate with loved ones; however, for others, it can be the most lonely and saddest.

Whether you’re someone who looks forward to this time of year or someone who experiences depression or anxiety, it’s important to know what to do in case you or someone else is having a hard time.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), the holiday blues are temporary feelings of anxiety or depression during the holidays that can be associated with extra stress, unrealistic expectations or even memories that accompany the season.

Although this might sound the same as having clinical anxiety or depression, it’s different.

The difference between the two is that holiday blues is temporary, while clinical anxiety or depression is not. It’s important to note that though holiday blues is short-term, it can lead to long-term mental health conditions.

Some factors that can cause holiday blues:

• Stress
  • This time of the year can be stressful for some due to shopping, social events, debt, etc.
• Seasonal Factors
  • During this time of year, factors like less sunlight, changes in diet or routine, and alcohol at parties can trigger holiday blues.
• Missing a Loved One
  • Those who have lost a loved one may feel sad or dissatisfied if they are unable to spend the holidays with their loved ones.

It is crucial to remember that holiday blues are temporary and can be worked through with the right support and practices.

Here are some tips you can use to navigate through your holiday blues:

• Create a budget for holiday gifts
  • Set a budget for yourself when shopping for gifts for your friends and family to avoid feeling overwhelmed or spending more than you have.

• Check-in with yourself
  • Every few days or so, set time aside for yourself and ask how you’re doing. If you feel like stress is coming up, practice some self-care rituals like going to the gym, reading, watching a movie, etc.

• Set boundaries
  • Know your limits on where and with whom you can spend your time. It’s okay to decline an invitation to a party or leave an event early. Just be upfront about how important it is to be there, but you will leave before the end.

At Catholic Charities, we acknowledge that these are a few of the many ways that you can work through holiday blues.

If you or someone you know is looking for someone to talk to about your mental health, click the button below to view our mental health programs.

Mental Health Programs

If you or a loved one needs immediate assistance during the holidays, call or text 988 to speak with someone.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Sources:

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/holiday-depression-and-stress

https://www.nami.org/person-with-mental-illness/tips-for-managing-the-holiday-blues/