How to Approach the Holidays if They Make You Depressed

It's that time of year again. The sun isn't shining as much during the day. You wake up in the morning, and it's dark. By the time you leave work, it's dark. The only light you seem to be getting lately is from your office or the glare off your phone. The temperature is dropping. The air feels colder. You've made the swap in your closet from your summer clothes to your fall and winter ones. Say goodbye to your shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops. Say hello to long pants, coats, hats, gloves, and boots.

Everyone seems to be in the holiday spirit, but you can't seem to get on the same page. Some of your neighbors have started decorating. Lights are starting to get hung on trees and houses, but you still feel surrounded by darkness. You want to be in the holiday spirit but feel a bit like The Grinch.

Here's how to approach the holidays if they make you depressed.

Set Boundaries

The holidays can bring on added pressures. Try to make things easier on yourself by setting some boundaries. Boundaries are a way to protect your overall mental health and wellness, as well as meet your own wants and needs. You shouldn't feel like you have to attend every holiday party you are invited to. Practice saying "no."

Another way you can set boundaries during the holidays is by limiting your social media usage. Comparison is known as the thief of joy. If you find yourself mindlessly scrolling and falling into the comparison game, take a break from it all. Set daily limits to prevent you from falling into negative head space.

Take Care of Yourself

One of the first things to be disregarded when depression, stress, and anxiety come into play is usually self-care. Make sure that taking care of yourself is always a priority. Taking care of yourself extends beyond the standard of aiming for 6-8 of sleep each night and eating 3-5 well-balanced and healthy meals throughout your day. Make sure you're taking care of yourself and focusing on your wants and needs. Find ways for you to relax, rest, and recover. Take a bath, listen to music, read a book, or set some time aside to watch a movie on the couch.

Move Your Body

Try to find time during the day to get your body moving. If possible, and if the weather permits, try to get outside and out in the sun while you can. The sun is already very limited this time of year, so try to take advantage of it when you can. Getting your body moving for at least 30 minutes each day, especially by getting some fresh air, is a natural mood booster and stress reliever.

Whatever way you choose to move your body is completely up to you. Go for a walk, hop on a bicycle, attend a class at a studio, lift weights, or try yoga or meditation. There are plenty of different ways that you can incorporate a little movement during your day.

Seek Therapy

Working with a mental health provider can help you through any challenging times you're going through, including winter blues. The earlier you reach out, the better. Depression doesn't just go away on its own. If left untreated, the symptoms can actually worsen over time. A therapist can work with you to help determine the root cause of your depression as well as help you find the best ways to cope, especially during challenging times like the holidays.

If you know that your symptoms of depression worsen because of the holidays, try to be proactive rather than reactive about working with a therapist. Getting started with working with a therapist is easy! Reach out today if you're interested in setting up a consultation for depression therapy.