What To Do When You Have The Christmas Blues

The holiday season for some is a happy but stressful time. For others, its just sad and stressful.

Licensed Professional Counselor and Mental Health Service Provider Tabitha Schlatter from Cookeville’s Hope Counseling Center says it’s not uncommon to feel sad and stressed.

“A lot of us experience holiday blues.  Not every type of depression needs clinical treatment. With regular situational depression the symptoms may look similar to major depressive disorder but those symptoms are shorter lived and not as severe and they tend to clear up when the situation gets better.”

The depression that does need medical treatment is Major Depressive Disorder, which can look like a depressed mood, lack of energy and motivation, and  sleep and appetite disturbances. Schlatter says these symptoms typically don’t improve when the situation improves.

However, it may not just be your mood. Schlatter says the weather could also be a critical aspect of the holiday blues.

“The seasonal aspect of this disorder, also called Seasonal Mood Disorder, it’s a lot like the major depressive disorder but it tends to worsen this time of year due to there being less sunlight. It just so happens that the holidays coincide with that season.”

Sometimes the situation can worsen when we over burden ourselves with obligations. Shlatter gives a few pieces of advice to lighten that burden.

“Just make sure there are reasonable expectations for the holiday and don’t take on more responsibilities than you can handle, don’t make more commitments than you can comfortably keep. Saying ‘no’ will save you a lot of stress during the holidays. For some of us it’s harder than others, but saying ‘no’ is a very important skill to have.”

Shlatter also adds to not put so much energy and time in one day, such as Christmas or New Years since it adds fatigue and unnecessary stress.

The best way to beating away the Christmas blues? Shlatter says its giving back to the community.

“If you’re feeling down, if you’re feeling low: volunteer. Work in a soup kitchen or help a neighbor do some yard work or do something around the house because volunteering is a great way to connect and that’s really what we all want is to connect in meaningful ways. Just knowing you’re making a difference feels really awesome and that can help when you’re not feeling so awesome.”

If you are struggling with feeling extra blue, it may be time to see a counselor, Schlatter said.

“If you notice that you are isolating more where you just don’t want to get out and you just want to be alone. Also having an outlook where you tend to see things not getting better. The big three of depression are hopeless, helpless, worthless.”

The main thing to look for is if you are feeling suicidal, Schlatter added. Although it is a difficult time to admit that during this time, it is necessary if suicide looks like a solution instead of a problem.

If you need help during this hectic season, or any season, call 1-800-273-TALK. If it is an emergency, call 911.