Posted: November 13, 2018
By: Janet A. Johnson
The Christmas season is considered one of the happiest times of the year. It is a period of togetherness, love, gift giving and earnest celebration. Yet, the joyfulness of it all can easily be lost on those who suffer from bouts of “holiday blues.” In place of good cheer and glad tidings are pangs of sadness. In some cases, downright depression! If the latter is experienced, this could be an indication of seasonal depression, which may require medical treatment if it is particularly severe and/or affects the ability to carry out everyday functions. This article does not cover seasonal depression so for more information please refer to our article on Seasonal Affective Disorder.
There are many factors that can negatively affect an individual’s attitude towards the Christmas holidays. It is important to realize that these feelings are normal responses that should not make you feel strange, inferior or inhuman. The feelings of anxiety, sadness, or depression are termed “holiday blues” because of its temporary, situational nature. Exploring the causative agents that can trigger these emotions is the first step to dealing with this episodic despondency. This week, we highlight two agents.
With the season comes giving, and giving and more giving. It becomes even trickier when children are involved or you are the member of a close-knit, large immediate and extended family. It doesn’t help that the economic burden is far more likely to occur if there are expectations on what gifts will elicit the most genuine response.
People have a tendency to place emphasis on cost over the meaning behind each gift. Subsequently, many are left with the choice of either being resented for a gift that is deemed too inexpensive or becoming heavily indebted to please loved ones. When left with what is perceived as a “no win situation” one’s levels of anxiety and stress will likely increase dramatically. Slowly, the holidays don’t seem so merry as you begin to feel the “holiday blues”.
Recognize that your well-being must be your number one priority. Take the necessary steps to reduce the impact of perceived seasonal economic woes.
If you have recently ended a relationship or you have been single for some time, the idea of celebrating a holiday centered on togetherness can be dreadfully daunting. This can be exacerbated if you do not have very close family ties or many friendships. Loneliness is one of the major reasons people get depressed over the holidays. Many of us are raised on the idea that Christmas is only worthwhile when surrounded by loved ones.
Being alone is hard enough for most of us because we naturally crave human connections. Being on your own for the Christmas holidays can feel utterly maddening as you begin to experience the “holiday blues”.
Part 2, Surviving Holiday Blues Depression, explores more possible reasons for “holiday blues” and the steps you can take to remedy seasonal malaise.
Total Number of Posts in this Series: 2
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Hi, I am Janet A Johnson a Management Consultant, Life Coach and Holistic Health Advocate. “Life with Jan” is dedicated to providing useful information and tips on how to navigate life's challenges and find ways to enjoy the best that life has to offer. We cannot always control what happens from day to day; no matter how we plan things, the unexpected can happen. Many of us know and accept this as a reality but we don't apply this mindset to our journey through life. Yet, how we navigate through the ebbs and flow, the potholes and highways, the valley and mountain experiences is an important determination of our overall well being. By embracing life's journey as an adventure we are better able to see each phase as an opportunity to learn something new and grow.
“Make the Journey an Adventure!”
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