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Coping with depression during the holiday season
While we generally look forward to the holiday season filled with joy and happiness, social gatherings with family and friends, and celebrations, the holiday season for many people is filled with depression and stress.
Holidays can bring sadness resulting from stress, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, and this year the added restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
So what can be done to cope with holiday stress and depression? And what can we do to help another person dealing with depression and stress?
Keep in mind that even persons who do not view themselves as depressed may develop stress responses, such as headaches, excessive drinking, overeating, or insomnia.
Some ideas for coping with stress and depression include acknowledging your feelings, making realistic expectations and goals for the holiday season, reaching out to others, being realistic about what you can and cannot do, learning to say no, and sticking to a budget.
If you find yourself feeling irritable and hopeless, unable to sleep, persistently sad and anxious, and generally unable to face routine chores and these feeling last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.
And some ways we might be able to help others deal with depression and stress is to provide non-judgmental support. Be optimistic but realistic, keep things in perspective, and guide them toward realistic goals.
Take steps to prevent stress and depression during the holiday season. Make plans. Keep positive thoughts. Enjoy the peace and joy of the holiday season.
For more information, contact NMPASI, P.O. Box 503529, Saipan, MP 96950 or call (670) 235-7273/4; TTY 235-7278; Web: nmpasi.org.
Jeanne Rayphand
NMPASI
