How to Manage Depression During Holidays

Holidays are many times looked on as a time of family fun, joy and celebration. However for the depressed, this isn't always true. Holiday depression is strong for people without family members and the holiday blues set in. Holidays turn to a time of loneliness, looking to past failures and being uncertain about a future. This leads to holiday distress, grief and sadness. The following tips will help ease the added stress and depression symptoms which come during any holiday celebration.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Think about doing something for or with someone else who also may be feeling down or lonely for the holiday. Or perhaps volunteer with a group to help others may lift your spirits.

2. Seek out, spend time with caring and supportive people. See where you may reach out to make new friends or contact an old friend you haven't heard from in a long time.

3. Go through local event pages on the internet, in newspapers, on bulletin boards and participate in the community events that celebrate the holiday.

4. Support your local school children by attending their school musicals, concerts, plays, science fairs or any activity put on for the public.

5. Above all relax and take care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep. Smile. If something is not producing joy for you, stop doing it. Do all in moderation and keep it simple. Go back to the plain and simple basic.

6. Don't forget to get some exercise.
   
   Have better holidays and celebrations.

Tips & Warnings

• If depression becomes very severe contact a local support group or mental health worker.

[gahazeleyes]

on 6/12/2009 Thanks for sharing. You gave some good advice.