The holiday season can be the time depression hits the hardest. There’s never an easy time to experience loneliness or loss, but the emphasis on family time, gratitude, and togetherness during the Holidays can trigger intensely painful emotions.
There are no easy answers or guaranteed solutions, but here are some ways you can lighten the burden of depression this upcoming holiday season.
Beating the holiday blues
1. Allow yourself to feel.
Feelings can get messy. It’s important to allow yourself to go through the heavy process.
Acknowledge what it is that you’re struggling with, be it the brunt of a break-up, the loss of a loved one, or an episode of depression. Being open to your emotions can be the first step to dealing with them.
2. Ask for help.
Reaching out for help is the bravest thing you can do. So many people want to help but just aren’t sure what it is that you need.
Asking for help and allowing yourself to accept it when it’s given can bring you closer to other people in your life. This is a necessary step to healing and may alleviate loneliness and reduce the heaviness of the loss.
3. Help someone else.
Sometimes the best way to break out of your struggle is by shifting your focus onto the needs of others. You may choose to volunteer at a soup kitchen, a veteran’s hospital, or an animal shelter.
Try to put your pain on the back burner for a little bit, channel your inner strength, and take steps to share some light.
4. Spend the holidays with friends or families.
One of depression’s biggest lies is that you’re better off alone.
The idea of spending time with others can feel exhausting and worthless. Try reaching out to some trusted friends or family members and see if you can plan an outing or meal together.
You may be surprised by how much the company of others may lift your spirits.
5. Get creative.
Holiday vacations and long nights can be the perfect opportunity to get your creativity flowing.
Journaling, painting, pottery, or the like can take your mind off painful thoughts, and help you get productive.
6. Reach out for help
Sometimes seeking professional guidance is the best thing you can do for yourself. You don’t have to suffer alone.
For a compassionate and experienced
therapist in Overland Park, get in touch with
Caryn Hess. You can reach her by phone, or by filling out the contact form.
