Suggestions for How to Beat the Holiday Blues

How many of us at one time or another has suffered from some form of Holiday Blues? I know I have. When I found myself alone, divorced, watching my kids leave with their father and his new wife off to his family to enjoy the festivities, I've got to admit it was a bit depressing having no family of my own close by. But I had choices .... choices I went searching for.

Holiday depression is common and usually passes as the stress and strain of the festive season ends. Holiday "depression" is also known as the holiday blues as I mentioned above and affects more than one million people every year. It affects either men or women, young or old. Even my dog seems different when and if I find myself a bit blue.

Whether or not we want to admit it - holiday depression is a huge problem in our nation. For one reason or another this season brings nothing but sad tidings instead of great joy. 10% of the population suffers from it to some degree or another. It is believed that depression is associated with the holidays because this season brings back memories of a happier time in our lives.

Okay all right already!? - We know all of this! So what can we do to alleviate these feelings? Well I'm going to help shed some light on that.

Spending less time displaying decorations will give you more time to enjoy them! You'll also have less to put away after the holidays! OR if you are like me I find some comfort in decorating. I have the kids help me each year and we make a day out of it - which has now become "our" own tradition. We don't have the stress of their father yelling about how the lights aren't working, taking him away from his precious football games (which I Tivo for one precious day...I love football more than he ever did), none of that exists - which to be honest is kind of nice!

I have also found that spending more time with friends can also keep your mind off of your depression and negative emotions. Some people avoid doing this, though, for fear of bringing the group of friends down with their mood. However put those worries aside - it's never happened - they've always known this time of year was a hard one for me and waited for me to get past it or to become comfortable once I was in their presence. After less than one hour spent - I was already feeling GREAT! Emotional support from friends, loved ones and health professionals is a known critical factor in preventing suicide in people with severe depression.

Try nurturing yourself and doing things that make you feel good. Try not to isolate yourself during this time of year, even if it is only temporary relief. Spending time volunteering is a great way to help others, and is a positive way to lift your spirit during the holidays . Toy drives, homeless shelters, nursing homes, and hospitals all offer the opportunity for you to make a difference in someone's life.

I'm not big into needles either but friends of mine use the method below:

Acupuncture!

This method is especially useful for helping people manage mild to moderate depression. It has been shown to stimulate endorphins to improve moods and mental function and create a sense of well-being through its balancing effects.[1]

So there it is - there is always something to help bring you out of the funk and I hope I provided you with some ideas. The holidays do not have to be depressing - trust me I know. There is always help and sometimes where you would least expect it - but look. I know you will not only be surprised but happier that you did.

Have a great holiday season!

[1] http://www.somaacupuncture.com/news-depression.html