No matter how many times youve lived through the holidays, and enjoyed them, they may be over-shadowed by a feeling of the blues. It may be that the holiday triggers happy memories of the past and you long for a return of the old days, or a significant event marred the celebration, or perhaps youve lost a loved one and you feel an emptiness and longing. In any case, if youre feeling blue around the holidays, youre not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, theres more than a 15% increase in the number of folks who seek professional help around the holidays.
Try some of these tips for keeping the blues at bay during the holidays.
Dont put unreasonable pressure on yourself to be happy and bright during the holidays. When youre feeling happy go for it. But if youre not, acknowledge your real feelings and dont feel guilty about them.
Your mood might be boosted when youre around friends or relatives who allow you to feel what youre feeling. Seek those people out and avoid getting together with people who ask more of you than you can give or trigger your depression for any reason.
You may not feel like it, but make a real effort to be more active. Exercise is one of the best ways to make you feel upbeat because it releases mood-elevating endorphins. Walking in the sunshine is one of the best choices, especially if you suffer with SAD Seasonal Affective Disorder in the winter months.
