Bells Are Ringing, But You’re Bummed Out? You’re Not Alone.
Bells are ringing. Snow is glistening. But you’re bummed out.
You could be suffering from a case of the holiday blues, which experts say is not uncommon.
A strained relationship with family, for example, can make this time of year pretty lonely. The holidays are expensive, and financial woes can cause major stress. Anxiety about holiday anything can fuel depression and worsen existing mental health concerns.
"A lot of people at certain years can find the holidays to be more challenging than they have experienced in past years," said Shilagh Mirgain, a psychologist at UW Health in Madison, Wisconsin. "It’s important to recognize the common humanity that others, too, are struggling. You’re not alone."
If Family Time Isn’t Super Fun, Set Boundaries
Spending an extended amount of time with family is hard to avoid around the holidays, Mirgain said, but there are ways to make it a little easier.
"Certainly this year, I think with the recent election, there’s a lot of divisiveness and discord, and you’re probably having to interact with family members that have really opposing beliefs," she said. "That can bring up strong emotions."
Think about the boundaries you want to set: What kind of contact do you want to have with your family and how long are you prepared to be around them?
"It’s also important to give yourself permission to exit the event — and have some strategies in place, she said. For example, if you need some space, go on a walk or run some errands."
If You Have Grief or Are Lonely, Connect with Others
The holidays can be difficult for people who are grieving or don’t have anyone nearby with whom to celebrate.
"Loneliness and isolation can feel exacerbated during the holiday season when you look around and it seems like everyone’s getting together and you don’t have plans, or you’re not looking forward to your plans," Mirgain said.
Find ways to connect with people if that’s something you’re craving, like scheduling calls with people across the country or volunteering in your community.
"There’s so much opportunity to give back during this time, and I think generosity is one of the best things we can do for our own well-being," she said.
If Money Is Making You Anxious, Reach Out
Gifts, dinners, decorations — it’s all a lot to keep track of around this time of year, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Those extra expenses and get-togethers can put more stress on your mental health.
For milder symptoms of depression, anxiety or mood issues, lean on tried-and-true methods of self-care, experts said, such as spending time doing something you love or watching a movie.
If You Are Overwhelmed, Set Realistic Expectations
Remember, your holidays don’t have to be a Hallmark movie. Give yourself permission to do it differently this year, Lee said.
"We have so many goals, so many targets," she said. "Getting all the gifts, decorating the house perfectly … sometimes it’s helpful to sort of focus on the most important part of it."
Conclusion
The holiday season can be a challenging time for many of us. But by recognizing the common humanity that we all share, we can work to make it a little more bearable.
FAQs
Q: What are some ways to set boundaries with family during the holidays?
A: Think about the boundaries you want to set, such as the kind of contact you want to have with your family and how long you’re prepared to be around them. Give yourself permission to exit the event and have some strategies in place.
Q: How can I deal with the holiday blues?
A: Recognize that you’re not alone and that many people struggle with the holiday season. Reach out for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed, and try to focus on the things that bring you joy.
Q: What are some ways to cope with financial anxiety during the holidays?
A: Try to focus on the things that are most important to you, such as spending time with loved ones or enjoying your favorite holiday traditions. Reach out for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed, and try to prioritize self-care.
