Christmas Blues

When the holidays come around you see people happy and excited about Christmas. Do you wonder if something could be wrong with you because you do not feel the same way as you consider everyone else to be feeling? That you could be the only person that feels depressed and that all the hype of the season is not as it all seems? Please do not feel that way. You are not alone. One out of four people feel the same things you do.

Everyone has high expectations of the holidays. They want the perfect Christmas. Being surrounded by all their loving family members near a crackling fire, eggnog in hand while the snow falls gently from the sky. Everyone laughing and happy.

This is often not the case.

People worry about having money for the holiday season. They have their regular bills to pay and then presents to buy for everyone. There are decorations to buy and wrapping paper and... the list seems endless.

People who suffer from depression year round can find it even more difficult during the season.

They want to cook the perfect Christmas dinner. A beautiful golden turkey and all the fixings.

They want all the decorations to be just right.

They would love for everyone to get along and for there to not be any arguments between the family members.

Thinking about our loved ones that are no longer with us can be very depressing. It is hard to think about them not being with us anymore at anytime, but during the holidays it can be even more difficult.

The Christmas season is very stressful financially, physically and psychologically.

There are some things you can do to try and relieve some of the stress.

Remember to be realistic. Things are not going to go perfectly. The lights may go out on the tree. The turkey may be dry. Not everyone is going to be happy with the reaction they get from the presents that gave out. Someone may be sick. Just because it is Christmas time, life goes on and things happen. Please keep that in mind. Don't give into the pressure that comes with the holidays.

Try and do things in moderation. Do not over indulge in food and drinking.

Remember to also spend in moderation. Some people go out and spend and then when the first of the year rolls around they find themselves deeper in debt. One option is to make handmade gifts for those you love. They would appreciate the time and effort knowing you made something especially for them.

Do not over do it. Remember you need your rest. You can not run yourself into exhaustion. You will only make yourself sick. This is something I need to try and do myself.

Do not wait until the last minute to get everything done. I find myself every year shopping right up until closing time on Christmas Eve and having everything to wrap that night. I always tell myself I will start earlier the next year and never follow through on that. Great sales start after Christmas. If you find you have extra cash, hit some of the clearance sales. Get your wrapping paper and put it up for the next year. Se something on sale in April you know would be perfect for that special someone, go ahead and buy it.

When thinking about not being with someone you love at the holidays, whether you are separated by death or by miles, try and think about all the good times you have had together. Remember the special times. Sometimes you may just need to cry. It is okay to miss them and grieve for them .

Make a list of things you need to get done done and one of the things you would like to get done. Mark them off as you go along. This way, the things that absolutely have to be done will be done. You can work on the things you would like to do if you have the time.

These are just some of the things that might help.

If you are still feeling depressed and nothing is helping, find someone you can talk to. Whether it be a friend or a professional.

If you feel you need more help than that, please look into the options available in your area. There may be support groups. Do not be ashamed or too proud to ask for help. Everyone deserves happiness, not just at Christmas time but all year long.