The holiday season is often depicted as a time of joy and togetherness, a time when many people feel more warmth and connection to others. However, for some people, the holidays can trigger feelings of loneliness, sadness, and depression. A condition known as seasonal depression often hits at this time of year, but recognizing the pattern is the first step toward addressing it.
At My 5 Palms, we understand how challenging it can be to encounter depression around the holidays year after year. Our depression treatment programs are customized to fit your individual situation, so whether you are dealing with a major depressive disorder or seasonal depression, we can help you manage your symptoms. Reach out at 1.844.675.1022 to learn more about our inpatient and outpatient treatment options.
Depression and the Holidays
The first thing you should know is that experiencing depression around the holiday season is not unusual. There is a lot of pressure to be happy, joyful, and loving at this time. Plus, there are often expectations of attending every invite you receive for holiday parties, happy hours, dinners, and other celebrations.
On the other hand, you might not have loved ones living nearby, and if you cannot travel to see them or have them visit you, you may feel especially lonely or isolated when the holidays roll around. Sadly, this happens all too often to older adults whose family members have either moved away or passed on.
Whether you are feeling overwhelmed by all of the holiday obligations or you are lacking loved ones to spend the holidays with, you are more vulnerable to developing depression during this season.
What Is Seasonal Depression?
Seasonal depression, also referred to as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that occurs during a specific part of the year. For most people, this is during the winter, when the days are shorter and often darker. However, it is also possible to experience SAD during the summer months.
You might have seasonal depression if you notice these symptoms popping up when the winter holidays draw near:
- Persistent feelings of sadness
- Loss of interest in activities
- Avoidance of seasonal events
- Low energy
- Irritability
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Inability to concentrate
Experiencing the above symptoms year-round could indicate a depressive disorder, but if you take note of when you experience the symptoms and find they only occur a certain time of year, you are probably dealing with seasonal depression.
Tips for Managing Seasonal Depression
Knowing how to prepare for seasonal depression and the holidays can help stave off or minimize your symptoms. Here are some helpful tips for managing seasonal depression so that it does not put a damper on your holidays this year:
Acknowledge Your Feelings
Give yourself permission to feel whatever you are feeling without judgment. Bottling it up or trying to deny depression symptoms will only worsen the situation.
Seek Support from Others
Talk to people you can trust about your thoughts and feelings when seasonal depression arises. This can include friends, family members, or mental health care professionals. You can also reach out to depression support groups online or in your area.
Practice Self-Care
Be especially gentle with yourself when you notice symptoms of seasonal depression. Do things that make you feel happier and more relaxed, like getting a massage, taking a hot bath, watching your favorite holiday movies, and going for a walk in nature. Also, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.
Get Help for Seasonal Depression at My 5 Palms
Getting support from others and implementing lifestyle changes can help get your depression symptoms under control. But you do not have to go through it alone. Getting help from a depression treatment program gives you access to the appropriate medication and therapies for the best results. Make your holidays happier this season by calling My 5 Palms at 1.844.675.1022 or filling out our online form and enrolling in depression treatment.
