Four Simple Holiday Depression Hacks You Could Use Today

This time of year tends to bring out all the “feels.” For some of us, that means holiday depression rather than seasonal merriment. But there’s no need to despair. Luckily, there are four simple holiday depression hacks you could use today. They are also relatively easy.

Did you lose a loved one this year? Suffer any health challenges within your family? Perhaps you or your spouse lost a job. These events can significantly impact our moods as we reminisce on the year. Let’s look at how we can help ourselves.

Holiday Depression Hacks to Use Today

• Allow yourself to feel sad.
• Take care of you/learn to say no
• Avoid triggers by planning
• Stick to your usual schedule

Last night, I had some alone time to decorate our tree. It was not planned, but it turned out great. It allowed me to slowly move through the boxes of ornaments and remember each item’s origins. Some of these memories made me sad because they came from folks that are no longer here. The ones from my mom and Aunt Jo made me particularly emotional.

Other items made me grateful, such as an ornament from a friend that triggered memories of a tree trimming party I had in Brooklyn–38 years ago. Plus, a Snoopy ornament from a dear friend dated 1978 (44 years ago). We’ve known each other since second grade!

Hacks to Use Today

My husband and I hosted an annual Christmas Brunch for years before the Big C hit. Eighty-five guests were the typical turnout! I never catered any of our parties. Preparing, cooking, and serving were a labor of love for me. Many friends showed up with ornaments; I still cherish each of them and remember who gave them to me and when. By allowing myself to feel sad, I can move past it. Try not to ignore your feelings; just let them happen (for a while) and move on.

There are many events to attend during holiday time, and you may be invited to places you would rather not go. It is perfectly acceptable for you to decline, and no need for an explanation. If you find yourself uncomfortable in certain situations, don’t put yourself in them. Now is the time to take care of yourself.

If staying home makes you depressed, why not drive around your neighborhood, look at the Christmas lights, or attend your church’s Christmas concert? With something else planned, you have reasons to decline invitations.

Managing the Company Christmas Party

Will your Company’s Christmas party likely trigger an anxiety attack? You can avoid this with a bit of planning. Admittedly, this is tricky since you’ll need to make an appearance for political reasons. I suggest you “stop by” on your way to another engagement (which you may or may not have).

Set a time limit for how long you will stay. Hopefully, this will lessen your anxiety. Tell yourself, “I only have to do this for 45 minutes; I can do this.” The best part is it’s OK for you to keep checking your watch. Everyone will think it’s because you need to be somewhere else. In reality, it is, so you know how soon you’ll be able to breathe again!

Finally, stick to your usual routine. If you go to a yoga class twice a week, keep going. Limiting changes to your schedule is vital for your mental health. Be sure to take time for yourself. Why not try a new self-care technique? It can be simple; take a walk every morning or drink a glass of water each day when you wake up. Do you make your bed every day?

Understanding Depression

Depression is an interesting emotion. It seems to appear at the oddest times. For me, it can arise right after doing something I love. Why do I go from feeling happy to suddenly feeling depressed? It’s a mystery. My depression began shortly after my breast cancer treatments ended. That’s when the impact of cancer hit me.

I wasn’t able to return to my old life. I needed to accept a new one (which I didn’t want). Depression puts you in a dark place. I never truly understood it until I experienced it. It is real, and it is not fun. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with depression, you may want to read this: https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/why-we-get-depressed-during-holidays/. It is a basic explanation but very relatable. It includes a section on supporting someone you love who is experiencing depression.

Little did I know how appropriate this blog post topic would be when I selected it weeks ago. I was extremely saddened to learn that the son of a friend from college committed suicide last week. From outward appearances, he seemed fine.

Likewise, I am guessing you have heard about Stephen tWitch Boss, the celebrity DJ from the Ellen DeGeneres show. He killed himself yesterday. No one was aware anything was bothering him.

In conclusion, depression can be sly and strike at any time. Please reach out and speak with someone if you have seriously negative thoughts about yourself/life. The impact of your loss will be detrimental to all those who love you. Seek help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (see above). It is available 24 hours a day.

What do you think about this post? Do you suffer from depression? Would you share a tip that works for you? Kindly let me know in a comment below.