Holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, but for many people they are filled with depression, stress and anxiety. Depression may occur at any time of the year, but the stress and anxiety of the holiday season—especially during the months of November and December, extending through the New Year and just before Valentine's Day—may cause even the most optimistic personalities to experience loneliness, doubt and a lack of fulfillment.
Part of the problem, according to Adam K. Anderson, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology at the University of Toronto, is the bombardment of media during the holidays showing images of smiling families and friends. Dr. Anderson contends that people see those upbeat images and may begin questioning their own relationships, which may not live up to the advertisements. In addition, those who do not have a family, are reminded of what they are missing.
The very same people who are lonely or have feelings of disconnectedness often avoid social interactions at holiday time. Feeling inadequate and incomplete makes them withdraw from those they perceive as having a fulfilled life. Unfortunately, withdrawing often exacerbates the feelings of loneliness and this may lead to an episode of sadness, or worse, a prolonged period of depression.
Experts advise a regimen of self-care during the holidays, which includes eating a healthy diet, maintaining a regular sleep pattern, and maintaining a consistent exercise routine. In fact, as little as 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise can provide an immediate mood boost similar to the effects of an antidepressant medication.
One of the best things a person can do, however, is to reach out to others despite how difficult it may seem. "That loneliness should act in a similar way to thirst, motivating you to change your behavior in some way," says John Cacioppo, Ph.D., director of the Center of Cognitive and Social Neuroscience at the University of Chicago.
When envisioning how the holidays will unfold after a loss, a person should include both the highs and lows in her expectations. Valentine's Day can be especially difficult for people who've ended a relationship.
When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past. From the Mayo Clinic, here are 10 ways to prevent holiday depression:
Take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands, so you can combat them before they lead to a meltdown. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you can find peace and joy during the holidays.