Coping with Depression in the Holidays

Tips for Managing Low Mood and Stress in the Holiday Season

Sep 25, 2008

Holiday-related low mood, anxiety and stress can be managed by keeping a budget, breaking tradition, being realistic and sticking with healthy habits.

“Holiday blues” or “holiday depression” are terms used to describe the stress, anxiety and low mood that are triggered by stressors associated with winter festivals. “Holiday depression” is sometimes a misnomer as people may experience difficulties in the holiday season that do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of depression.

Triggers of Holiday Blues / Depression

Holiday celebrations do not have to fit in with the picture-perfect media portrayals. In reality, relatives argue, people turn up late and cooking goes wrong, and this all happens on top of existing responsibilities and stressors. By accepting this and breaking tasks down into small, manageable chunks, it will likely be easier to cope when something doesn’t go as planned.

It’s fine to splurge now and again but excessive consumption of festive foods and alcohol increases health risks. Eating healthily and getting some exercise might sound unattractive, but not doing so may attribute to energy loss and low mood. For those who are affected by lack of sunlight, going out for regular walks in the daytime will kill two birds with one stone.

Traditions aren’t mandatory. They can be modified, replaced by new ones or dropped altogether. Some people prefer a quiet Christmas alone without any hype, and they have that choice, even if it doesn’t fit in with other people’s ideas. By the same logic, people should accept if their loved ones want to spend the holidays doing something different.

Holiday food, gifts, travel and decorations can all be expensive, which is why budgeting is useful. Homemade cards and gifts are thoughtful without necessarily being costly, and reusing decorations will also save money in the long run. Those hosting a holiday dinner can ask guests to pitch in by bringing something, which will also relieve stress about preparing food and drink.

Taking time out and seeking support from loved ones will ease holiday burdens and help others to understand the struggles. People often consider what others want during the holidays. What if they took time to consider what is best for themselves?

Read Depression and Stress in the Holidays for more information on the triggers of holiday blues and depression. Those concerned about stress and/or depression should seek medical advice.

Sources

Alone During the Holidays? Join the Crowd,, PsychCentral website, published November 2006, accessed: 23rd September 2008, author: Stoneham, L

Holiday Depression and Stress, National Mental Health Association website, accessed: 23rd September 2008, no author specified

Pub medic – Warning: Christmas can seriously damage your health, Student BMJ, published: January 2006, author: Gapper, S

The copyright of the article Coping with Depression in the Holidays in Depression is owned by Barbara Melville. Permission to republish Coping with Depression in the Holidays in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.