Some Simple Do's and Don'ts for Dealing with Holiday Depression

Most people think of the Christmas season as a time full of joy, good cheer and optimistic hopes for a new year, however, for many people, it may also be a time of loneliness and anxiety and a reflection of what they may consider past failures. The holiday blues can be caused by many factors: increased stress and fatigue, unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, and the inability to be with family or friends.

Here are some simple suggestions for people who are dealing with depression during the Christmas season:

Do what you would normally do or enjoy doing during the holidays.

Don’t do the activities you find stressful or don’t enjoy during the holiday season.

Do make time to observe the holidays and be with people you care about.

Don't feel obligated to go on a shopping frenzy if you find that stressful normally or if you are financially restricted due to the damage the storm caused you.

Do give and get support.

Don't exhaust yourself. Learn to set realistic limits on your energies.Find time, make time for yourself. If possible do something self-indulgent a massage, a new hair cut or even just a bubble bath.

Get plenty of sleep and exercise.

Work on creating new rituals and traditions. Respect the old ones, but create new ones, perhaps even involving a new type of remembrance.

Especially if you are grieving, don't trying to be all things for all people.

Call, visit, write or e-mail a long-lost friend, someone who is house-bound, or an elderly relative.

Try to minimize the amount of drinking and eating. During periods of "the Blues" excessive drinking or drinking will contribute to the depression.

Spend time with people who care about you, who are nurturing and supportive.

Spend time reflecting and meditating on your favorite psalms and Scripture passages.

Pray the joyful mysteries of the rosary and reflect on the joy of the birth of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior.

Give thanks for all the blessings the Lord has bestowed on you and list them each day.

Write love letters to Jesus.

Enjoy free activities.

Walk in the park,
Watch the sunset,
Smell baking bread,
Browse through books or magazines in bookstores,

Window shop without buying

Listen to Outdoor Christmas Concerts

Enjoy Christmas Carolers

Donate your money, goods, or time to a local Homeless shelter, a soup kitchen, a Battered Women and/or Children's Shelter, Hospice, Cancer Association, Hospital, your church, a crisis pregnancy center, a pro-life group. Its a way of helping those who may have less.

Keep daily expectations manageable. Remember the adage of taking "one day at time." Set realistic goals, decide what you can comfortably handle, what you can do and cannot do.

Realize that each holiday, birthday or anniversary is only one day. Take them one occasion at a time.

Consider doing something in memory of departed loved ones.

Set up a scholarship.
Dedicate a bench or plaque.
Plant a tree.
Adopt a needy family, donate to the homeless shelter for the holidays.
Donate money that would have been spent on a gift to their favorite cause. Publish an ad in the local paper to remember an anniversary. Create rituals to remember the loved one.
Play a favorite Song.
Hang a certain ornament.
Hang a stocking for the loved one in which people can include notes.
Listen to music liked by the loved one.
Write letters or notes expressing your feelings, share them with others if it seems appropriate. Get out in nature, walk, hike, enjoy feeling the winter chill, or the rush of skiing.

There is no right or wrong way to deal with certain occasions, or anniversaries. Decide what will work and then let people know. Try and keep things open if you feel like joining at the last minute.