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Hi there reader,
This is the first article that I’ve posted on my new website psihologdecluj.ro, if you find this interesting or want more details, please feel free to contact me!
Let’s get straight to action.
What is the Holidays Blues?
The holidays are approaching and as much as we would like to believe that it’s the best time of the year, for some of us, it’s actually not.
Depression may occur at any time of the year, depending on your environment and our own interpretation of that environment. Despite this, we see increases in anxiety and depression rates during the months of November and December.
Why these months? Well, it seems stress and anxiety increases during this time of the year. It affects everyone, but the most vulnerable ones experience depression, crippling anxiety, even suicidal thoughts more often during this time.
Why is depression more common during the holidays?
There are as many reasons as people on the Earth. Depression is unique in every single person and every episode can be different from the other in the same person…
In this case, let’s check statistics…
Social Isolation
Social Isolation can be an important factor in depression, this is especially during the holidays. Some of us may have a small social circle or, more commonly, a lack of socializing opportunities. Nowadays we are moving our socializing grounds from the pubs to social media… online discussions have less consequences than face to face ones, right? Less anxiety, no feelings of a heavy breath, upset stomach.
(We will come back to this on a separate article.)
Let’s get back to the current topic.
During the holidays, some of us have feelings of disconnectedness and tend to avoid social interactions. Withdrawing from social situations may seem the best solution for you, but it’s not. More often than not, withdrawing will make the feelings of loneliness and the symptoms of depression worse.
You might try to make yourself feel better and get onto Facebook or Instagram and see that most of the people share pictures of pure joy with friends and family, all smiling and having what you don’t have. Have you ever had a moment in your life when you’ve asked yourself: “Why can’t that be me?”, "Why is everyone else so much happier than I am?"
If you know you’ve experienced this before, then dealing with social isolation is key during this time. Try reaching out to friends or family for support, go to events and try to meet new people. It may not feel good at first, but it’s going to feel better and better. On the long term, you should check with a therapist and start working on yourself.
Grieving during the Holidays
Some of us may experience grieving harder during the holidays. This can be due to loss of a loved one, of a friend, or an animal. We can also grieve about old beautiful times (your high school group that was always there and now everyone pursuit their dreams).
Feel like you are experiencing grieving more during the holidays?
Here’s a quick tip for you:
Begin a new holiday tradition. Something to completely change the mood and break the association. You can commemorate the loved ones by remembering the best moments and being grateful for them, not by being depressed during this time.
Don’t be a statistic anymore, reach out for help!
Do you have a burning question?
Let me know in the comments below!