After spending a wonderful holiday over the Christmas Eve and Christmas, some people feel blue and find that it’s difficult to function normally in their daily rhythm. As defined by the DSM IV, holiday blues, holiday depression, or post-Christmas blues, these commonly used terms depict the mental distress occurring after the winter holidays and festival season. This article is focused on experiencing the “blues” since this term suggests mild mental distress, a commonly occurring phenomenon when dealing with daily life stress and change.
Dr. David Miers is the Counseling and Program Development Manager for Mental Health Services at Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln, NE. In addition, he co-chairs the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition. He said, “During the holidays there’s an increased stress, demands that are placed on individuals.”
Whether that stress is financial or a full calendar of events, Dr. Miers said it can be hard to find a balance.
“It’s important to set limits for yourself. It’s important to look at your exercise, that you’re exercising, that you’re eating a healthy diet and that you’re sleeping, that you’re getting an adequate amount of sleep.”
Besides the stress, the holidays can also be a lonely time or a time of grief. Larry Collins lost his mother.
“My mother’s passed away, but this was her favorite time of the year and every time this comes around I think of her.”
Dr. Miers said it’s important to set new traditions, while also remembering the old ones. He added, helping others during your own time of need, can also do yourself some good.
“Sometimes it’s somebody reaching out and volunteering, or spending some time at an event volunteering your time to help other people.”
The “Holiday Blues” aren’t uncommon and it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms:
-Becoming more isolative
-Changing eating and sleeping habits
-Gaining or losing weight
-Feeling more irritable
Dr. Miers said, “Depression is also one of the most treatable, and that seeking help is a sign of strength and there are treatments available.”
If you’re struggling this season seek for some for of counseling or help by a therapist or doctor. You can simple get involved with a community depression group. All you have to do is research on the internet.