For many of us, the holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but for some people, it can be a difficult time to get through. Depression can occur during any point in the year, but stress and anxiety at the end of the year may cause some people to experience a sense of loneliness and a lack of fulfillment.
Social isolation can be a major predictor of depression, especially during the holidays. Some people may have a small social circle or don’t have many chances for socialization. Plus those who have feelings of disconnectedness tend to avoid social interactions at holiday time. Unfortunately, withdrawing often makes the feelings of loneliness and symptoms of depression worse.
People suffering from social isolation should reach out to friends or family for support, and also try talking to a therapist. They can help you determine where your feelings come from and help you develop effective solutions to overcome them.
How to combat holiday blues
Whether you find yourself isolated or you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, there are ways to stave off some of the holiday blues:
Start a new tradition — Create a new tradition to bring some joy into the season. You can try planning a family outing or vacation, instead of spending the holidays at home.
Don’t give in to holiday pressures — If you don’t feel comfortable at an event, you should feel free to leave at any time. Be honest and tell others how you’re feeling.
Volunteer — Volunteering can give you a sense of connectedness with the people in your community. Working at a soup kitchen, putting together a gift drive, or even just helping a neighbor with house chores is a great place to start.
You can also improve your mood by practicing self-care during the holidays by eating a healthy diet, maintaining your sleep schedule, and regularly exercising. Joining a support group where you talk to people with similar experiences to yours can also help. Princeton Medical Institute is here to listen and help you regain control of your life and start getting better. Contact one of our medical professionals today with this form or at (609) 921-6050.
