BEAT THE CHRISTMAS BLUES!
Written by on December 17, 2015
We all know this is the season to be jolly. Buying presents for our loved ones, decorating the house, seeing friends, drinking copious glasses of mulled wine and eating far too many delicious mince pies! This is the time of year when there is an expectation that everyone should feel merry and generous.
However for some of us, rather than a season of being jolly, this is a time when ‘the blues’ kick in. Quite unexpectedly, the thought of the Christmas season brings nothing but stress, sadness and even depression for many. There are several reasons why this can happen:
Finances – the thought of not having enough money to buy gifts can lead to guilt and sadness or, alternatively, the stress of having to incur debt which you are worried about paying off.
Loneliness – when others are with their families it can be very painful for those who are alone. Missing a deceased loved one can be felt even more keenly at this time when celebrations are all around us.
Divorce – for someone newly divorced, the holidays may bring back memories of happier times and thus make grief worse.
Stress – the expectation of coping with everything in time for Christmas. Shopping and planning meals when you are still working and in need of a restful holiday can feel like an overwhelming burden.
SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) – added to all of this are the blues often felt during shorter, gloomier days and dark evenings when all you feel like doing is hibernating!
However resilient you are, at this time of year even little worries can seem so much bigger and harder to cope with. However, there are measures you can take to help with the holiday blues:
Don’t be tempted to buy things you can’t afford. Instead of struggling to buy gifts that will strain your budget, let your loved ones know how much you care with a few kind words and perhaps a thoughtful but inexpensive gift.
Avoid loneliness. Reach out to others who may also be spending Christmas alone or volunteer to help those in need, which can be very uplifting and gratifying. More importantly, never be afraid to grieve. It is better to let yourself experience your emotions fully and, then when you are ready, plan something nice for yourself and socialise.
Make plans in advance as putting off decisions can make things even more stressful. Remember it’s the being together and goodwill that matters, not having to achieve perfection all the time.
Get back to nature – When all the hustle and bustle gets too much it can help to take time out and visit a local beauty spot or neighbourhood park where the beauty of nature surrounding you can often help put problems in perspective. If you’re lucky enough to have a dog, escape family tensions and chores by taking him or her out for a walk (and if you don’t have one ask a friend or dog-owning neighbour who may well be glad of the helping hand at this time of year!)
Remember to look after yourself too – catch up on sleep, eat well and healthily and try to make time to take a break from chores and do something you enjoy occasionally to ‘reward’ yourself for your hard work during the year. It’s true that we are often our own worst critics: be kind to yourself.
Of course, there are times when no amount of advice can help. Feelings of sadness, worthlessness or guilt, crying, loss of interest in usual activities, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, social withdrawal and changes in sleep, weight or appetite can be signs of more than just the ‘Christmas blues’. If these symptoms are severe or continue beyond the Christmas period, seek professional help.
Lastly, I will end by wishing you a wonderful new year, full of the good things you wish for yourselves and your loved ones. Do get in touch if you are ready to make changes in your life and would like support on the journey.
You can contact me by emailing or calling 07957 418 985.
Warm wishes
