This second snowfall of the year reminds me that the winter holiday season is upon us.  I thought that it might be helpful to review helpful strategies for managing holiday stress and depression.

While the holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, this can also be a stressful time of the year.  For many people, the holiday season is a time of self-evaluation, loneliness, reflection on past “failures,” and anxiety about an uncertain future.  Stress can be caused by:

ü  High expectations

ü  Over commercialization

ü  Financial stress

ü  Family relationships (either being away from family, being together, or managing multiple “sides” such as in-laws or stepfamilies)

ü  Over scheduling of parties and celebrations

Here are some strategies for managing your stress and depression during this time:

1.      Recognize what triggers stress for you and how you handle stress.  If changes are necessary, change one behavior at a time.

2.      Identify how you would like to honor yourself, friends, and family during the season.  Find ways to incorporate past traditions with changing needs and expectations.

3.      Prioritize and organize.  It might not be possible to attend every function you are invited to.  Set realistic goals and pace yourself.  If you have bad feelings about someone, try and avoid him or her and not make an issue of it: but, don’t pretend that all is well.  This will enable you to feel true to yourself and less stressed out.

4.      Let others help plan and organize activities.

5.      Set a spending limit.  This is particularly important given the current economic conditions.  Hopefully, you have been able to take advantage of the many sales over the past two weekends.  If you have children, use this as an opportunity to teach them that they cannot always get what they want.  It is okay to tell your child that a certain toy is too expensive.  You can also tell your child(ren) that Mom and Dad (and Santa Claus) will try to choose the most suitable present for the child.  If your financial resources are  limited, try to find inexpensive and personal ways you can acknowledge those around you (e.g., make a holiday decoration, make chocolates with supplies from a craft store, suggest a grab bag).

6.      Take care of yourself.  Schedule needed doctor and dentist appointments.  Maintain a health eating plan.  Continue with your exercise plan or other activities that you enjoy (e.g., book club, scrapbooking, sports, etc.)

7.      Consider taking care of others by volunteering some time at a homeless shelter, nursing home, or hospital.

8.      It is normal to feel some depression during this season.  Try to curb your drinking since it increases feelings of depression.  Seek support from friends and family if needed.

If these tips do not work for you, or if you feel that your depression and/or anxiety is not just related to the holiday season, please contact either myself or a local professional for assistance.