Frequently Asked Questions About Extreme Holiday Depression

There is nothing wrong with stress, as I may point out. Stress is a good thing because it keeps you pumping. It allows you to get things done, helps with your mental alertness, and even makes you understand your best life decisions. So why do most people see it differently than I do? Well, I learned things the hard way. As much as I want to look at stress positively, there are still moments in my life when I hate everything about it. Holidays, such as special occasions, are one moment I can think of that stirs up a rollercoaster of emotions and releases some built-up stress inside of me. People often experience symptoms of depression during these times.

Most times, I just need to calm down and relax for a little bit when I am stressed out. That is how I manage my unwanted anxiousness, which is crucial for my mental health. I can say I am pretty good at that coping strategy, as it immediately helps me regain my composure. However, I still feel depressed and mentally exhausted when dealing with stress, especially during the holiday season. Yes, holidays make me feel like I am about to lose myself due to the many things I need to worry about, which can exacerbate my affective disorder. There’s food, holiday decorations, gifts, window shopping, and a lot more.

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So you think that this season is all about relaxation? Well, hell no! Holidays are about pressure, realistic expectations, unrealistic expectations, and unlimited errands. You might disagree with me on this, but I certainly know that in the back of your mind, you are also having second thoughts about how you realistically picture this holiday season, especially considering the challenges that can arise due to mental illness or the importance of finding support from alliances such as the Alliance on Mental Illness.

The Hard Truth

The truth is, holiday sadness or depression is real, and it affects me more than I want to admit. I have experienced it for many years, and it has become a part of my routine. I often feel lost and lonely during this time of the year, as it reminds me of all the things that I don’t have and all the people who have left my life. This feeling of holiday depression is something that the National Alliance on Mental Health understands well.

It started with the long shopping list and the pressure to find the perfect gift. I would spend hours looking for the right gift, but I could never seem to find what I was looking for. I felt like I was in a never-ending cycle of searching, and I was often exhausted by the time I found a suitable gift. This exhaustion sometimes feels like a symptom of Seasonal Affective Disorder, which can make the holiday season even more challenging for those who experience it.

Celebrating Doesn’t Make It Better

The next struggle was the dinners. I was always so excited to show up to the dinners and catch up with family, but I would often find myself in the corner, not talking to anyone. I was uncomfortable and anxious to start a conversation, so I would keep to myself. I felt like everyone was so busy with their lives, and nobody had time for me.

This season also brought on feelings of guilt. I was constantly feeling guilty for not having everyone in my life. I was reminded of the people who were no longer around, whether it was due to death or a disagreement. It was hard for me to be happy knowing that I couldn’t share the season with everyone that I wanted to.

The worst part about it was the loneliness. I was surrounded by supportive and caring people who were happy and excited about the season’s cheer, but I was not. I was overwhelmed by the sadness and I felt like I was the only person who was not enjoying the season.

Accepting The Reality

I eventually realized that it was something I could not just shake off. I needed to find ways to cope with it and make the season enjoyable. I started to focus on the positive; I reminded myself of the good moments I had with family and friends, and that helped me to reframe my thoughts. I also tried to give back to the community, whether it was by donating food or clothing or volunteering at a local soup kitchen. Doing small acts of kindness helped me to feel better during the festive season.

I have been managing it for several years now and I have gotten better at it. I still have moments when I feel overwhelmed, but I know that it won’t last forever. I have found ways to make the holiday season enjoyable, and I encourage others who are going through the same thing to do the same. I have learned to focus on the positive and be thankful for all the good moments I have had. I have also learned that it’s okay to take time for myself and not force myself to be in an environment where I am not comfortable. 

With the right mindset and coping strategies, we can make the festivities more enjoyable and find peace within ourselves.

Here are the frequently asked questions about holiday depression that might interest you.

What Is The Most Depressing Holiday?

The event that takes the top of the list is called Blue Monday. It is the name given to a day in January, typically the third Monday of the month. The concept of Blue Monday was first published in a 2005 press release from a certain company, which claimed to have premeditated the probability using a reliable “equation.”

How Do Holidays Affect Mental Health?

This season is the most fun and exciting moment for most people. However, 24% of these individuals living with a mental illness insist that this vacation season makes their health symptoms a lot worse as specific things during this season add feelings of sadness and dissatisfaction. All the pressure of preparation, planning, financial state, and relationship issues makes it harder for individuals to stay well.

What Causes Stress During This Time?

Holiday stress is very common to people, especially those exposed to and fond of social gatherings and preparations. There is the constant requirement to attend every party, the pressure of always trying to please everyone, cramming of buying things at the last minute, the struggle to find the right place to spend with, and a lot more. And when you add the travel, financial burden, and visiting family members, stress can start to pile up all of a sudden.

How Do You Beat The Christmas Blues?

The Christmas holiday season is not that exciting and fun. There are things involved in it that can cause too much stress and anxiety. To beat that pressure, you have to start with a concrete plan for your vacation. Remember not to exert too much effort to avoid sudden disappointments. Be brave to handle all your fears and accept that things sometimes do not go your way. Get active, watch what you eat, always stay positive, be selfless, and perk up your social life.

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How Do I Deal With Anxiety During This Time?

Coping with stress during this can be a lot harder than you think. But do not worry. There are ways you can manage those unwanted holiday anxiety. Focus on your health first. Exercise and eat a well-balanced diet. Preparations can be extremely toxic, so make sure you get enough rest from time to time. It would be the best opportunity to consider visiting some of your friends and relatives and spending time with them. Use the calendar to plan specific days for certain important activities such as baking, cooking, shopping, and visiting new friends. But of course, be true to your budget and realistic goals.

How Do You Mentally Survive This Season?

To survive this season with your mental health still intact, you need to consider certain things. First, acknowledge your feelings. If you are exhausted, rest for a while. Do not put too much pressure on things that are not that important. Stick to a budget. Do not force yourself to buy things you don’t necessarily need. Always learn to say no when it comes to damaging routines such as excessive drinking or eating. Do not abandon your healthy habits for the sake of a one-time celebration. If things get out of control, do not hesitate to reach out for help.

What is Vacation Blues?

Holiday Blues refer to the strong feelings of sadness and loneliness throughout the holiday season, typically during November and December. Mental health issues such as depression hit hard after a period of intense emotion and stress. Often, it gets misinterpreted as exhaustion. However, it manifests the same characteristic symptoms of an anxiety or mood disorder, such as low energy, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and anxiousness.

Why Is It Essential To Prioritize Your Mental Health During This Season?

You can do exciting things during this holiday season and often, it can make you feel sad and out of control. So to balance things out, you need to prioritize your mental health to avoid further complications. It would be best to encourage overall health and wellness to maintain a work-life balance. Take advantage of your simple choices and always stick with what’s beneficial for your health.

How Can I Relax During This Season?

This holiday season can be very stressful and toxic. To relax during these days, start with solitude. You can breathe, reframe, and redirect your negative energy to the positive one. You can interact with your family and friends that you haven’t seen in a while get in touch with them and listen to the changes in their lives. Make the holidays a time to strengthen relationships. Go outside, practice intentional gratitude, and reflect.

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Final Thoughts

Holiday seasons are still great, do not get me wrong. I am not trying to ruin your outlook over one of the most enjoyable moments in your life. But let’s be honest here. For some people who have many things to do during the holiday season, stress is inevitable. And sometimes, due to certain expectations and failed attempts to make things work, the whole enthusiasm can run off. Therefore, we can conclude that even the most loved holiday season is not exempted from a messy and stressful situation. If you feel mentally and emotionally unstable, contact a specialist for treatment support.