Holiday Making You Depressed? Here Are Three Things to Try

If your holiday is making you depressed, you should know this is actually pretty common. While it is a mental health myth that the suicide rate goes up during Christmas, that does not negate the fact that many people find the holidays to be a drag. It's okay to feel that way--holidays are a stressful time, and our culture demands a "perfect" holiday so anything that falls short may seem like a personal failure (What Is Holiday Depression?). But the good news is you don't have to have a "perfect" holiday, and there are things to try if your holiday is making you depressed.

Things to Try if Your Holiday Is Making You Depressed

First, recognize that there is no such thing as a "perfect" holiday. You're not Currier and Ives. You don't have to find the perfect gift, wear the perfect outfit to Midnight Mass, or feel a certain way. You feel the way you feel, and that's okay.

Second, try something different. My favorite Christmas ever was spent in a short-term apartment in Indianapolis after a 12-hour drive. Try seeing a movie, going to a restaurant, or giving gift money to charity. (This is a great strategy for those who have everything.)

Finally, lean on your support system. You need them.

In this video, Recovering from Mental Illness's Becky Oberg talks about holiday depression and how to fight it.

Source

WebMD, 25 Ways to Find Joy and Balance During the Holidays

You can also find Becky Oberg on Google+, Facebook and Twitter and Linkedin.