Surviving holiday stress

The most wonderful time of the year is here, holidays, when we spend time with family and friends, gathered ‘round the table and the Christmas tree, parties and plenty of socializing.

For most of us, its wonderful.

For others, its a long roller coaster of stress, anxiety and depression that sometimes leaves them frozen in place with fear.

Unrealistic expectations, financial pressures and excessive commitments can cause stress and anxiety during the holidays. Seasonal affective disorder, sometimes knows as seasonal depression can add to the problem along with excessive drinking, overeating, insomnia and headaches.

Some people are filled with sadness, self-reflection and loneliness, which can lead to self harm.

Holiday sadness may be triggered by any number of things such as the inability to be with family and friends and even the feeling of over commercialization of the season. Add to that the changing of seasons when it begins getting darker, sooner and a lack of sunlight and that depression can increase.

Recent traumas, such as a death of a loved one or even a pet can add to holiday sadness along with financial troubles or even personal illness.

Tiredness, fatigue, crying spells, mood swings, irritability – all are signs that depression has taken over.

So what can we do?

Those who suffer from holiday depression, stress or anxiety may benefit from increased social support this time of year. Reducing stress, like limiting commitments and sharing responsibilities with others may help as well.

It may sound strange, but in the case of seasonal depressive disorder, a good dose of sunshine everyday helps significantly with those feelings of depression. Regular exposure to bright light, particularly fluorescent lights, improves depression during the dark months of fall and winter.

Of course, there are medications available as well, antidepressants, especially serotonin medications can be a huge help for some.

Can we do anything to anything to prevent it in the first place?

Set realistic goals for yourself and pace yourself. Don’t take on more responsibilities than you can handle.

Prioritize the important activities. This can help make holiday tasks more manageable. Be realistic about what you can handle, and don’t try to put all your energy into a single day.

Live in the moment and enjoy the present while looking to the future with optimism. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment and sadness by comparing your life now with “the good old days”.

Rather than being alone, try volunteering some of your time to helping others and look for holiday activities that are free, like driving through town looking at decorations or window shopping.

Above all, make time for yourself, for self-care, a hot bubble bath and a little holiday music.