Have you heard about the seasonal depression during festivities? The holidays have a way of making everyone feel overwhelmed. For some, it can be the best time of year. But for others, the holidays can be a stressful time with many emotions and feelings that are hard to manage.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition where the darker and shorter days in winter trigger depression. Scientists believe its root cause is the reduced production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. It may be triggered by vitamin D deficiency due to low or zero exposure to sunlight.
Dealing with depression or anxiety in the aftermath of the festive period can be challenging. Here are a few effective ways to cope.
5 Tips For Dealing With Depression During Festivities
- Shift your Focus
When you feel like your world is falling apart, it can be difficult to see any light at all. If it seems like everyone around you is happy and having fun, remember it is never possible to know what someone else is going through without standing in that person’s shoes.
It’s worth noting seasonal depression affects at least 5% of the population of the United States. That means even if you’re feeling alone. Many people are going through the same experience. Make sure you are kind to yourself. It’s time you start celebrating yourself and what makes your life special.
After your break is over, start small by getting involved in activities that bring you peace and joy. You can do simple things like share food with colleagues if you can’t go home or spend time with loved ones. Don’t forget to buy presents for yourself because self-love is the best. You can also spend a day at home listening to your favorite music or watching a nice film.
- Seek Support
A support network is an integral part of coping with depression. Reach out to friends or family members who will understand what you’re going through and provide emotional support.
It’s also a good idea to consider seeking professional help from a therapist. Therapists and counsellors are trained to help people deal with depression. They’ll be able to offer useful advice on how best to handle things during this time of year.
Find a therapist or support group in your area. For instance, Florida has mild winters, so chances are your depression may have a deep-rooted cause. Instead of attributing it to a seasonal cause, it is better you seek help from a qualified therapist in Florida to help your mind heal and cope.
- Celebrate Small Wins
One of the most important things to remember is that you can control your happiness. The beginning of the year is a time when we have extra responsibilities, but it’s also a time when we can celebrate what makes us happy.
Think about what you have achieved, not what you didn’t do. It has been a difficult year worldwide, with wars tearing continents apart and a recession on the horizon. It is perfectly fine if you can’t achieve some of your financial goals. It’s also fine if you didn’t get a much-awaited promotion at work. Focus on celebrating the things and people in life that make it worthwhile.
- Volunteer
Volunteering is an excellent way to help others and feel good about yourself. You can volunteer at home or in your community. Volunteering can help you connect with others, which, in turn, will help you cope with depression.
If you’re suffering from seasonal depression, reaching out to people who are also experiencing the same symptoms might be helpful for you. You’ll be able to talk through your feelings, share some laughs, and maybe even come up with some solutions together.
We suggest you visit a Seniors Home to cheer up the residents with some good cheer. Mentoring youngsters is also a great option. Recent studies have found around 59% more kids in Florida suffered from depression and had suicidal thoughts in the timeline from 2016 to 2021.
The pandemic, of course, has created isolation, and this can be one of the triggers. Hence your small efforts will help them share their pain. It will help you heal, too. If you are an animal lover, you can spend time at the local animal rescue shelter to help you bond with a few pawed friends.
- Stay Active
Exercise releases endorphins, which are your body’s natural feel-good chemicals. When you exercise regularly, your brain will begin to associate the feeling of exercising with feeling happy and healthy.
If possible, join a gym or attend classes at the local community centre. However, if these aren’t options for you and time is tight due to other commitments, there are some alternative ways that can help relieve depression symptoms.
Take walks outside, even if it’s just in the yard. It’s good for both your body and mind as long as it isn’t too cold outside. Spend time in nature, if possible.
This helps clear your head and ground yourself back into reality after feeling like you’re floating away from everything else around you. If there isn’t much snow where you live yet, then take a walk outside amidst greenery. The color will help uplift your mood.
Try doing yoga at home using online videos. Just remember that any exercise should be done slowly and gently so that there’s no risk of injury from overexertion during this busy time of year.
I hope that this year is a happy one for you and your loved ones. Focus on what makes you happy during the darker days. Be it baking cookies with your kids or going for coffee with your friends. Avoid dwelling on all the things that make you sad. Remember to take care of yourself by focusing on the positive and getting help if needed.
