Holiday Blues 2020
Why COVID May Make the Holiday Blues Even Worse and Tips to Help
For many, the Holiday Season is not so holly jolly.
Even for people who do get into the spirit of the season, they sometimes feel stressed. Holiday Related Depression, more commonly known as the Holiday Blues, is a real phenomenon and this year more people may be affected than ever.
COVID is most likely going to impact our celebrations this year.
Usual gatherings of friends and family may have to be done virtually, which will definitely not feel the same. There will likely not be the annual office holiday party…which is probably a good thing for some people who tend to over do it. The usual traditions like finding the perfect Christmas tree will require masks and maybe even reservations at the locations to limit the amount of people. It will be a different Holiday Season. And for many, this may cause them to feel down during a season they normally feel so positive about.
Though, for many people the holidays have never been so joyful and triumphant. Many people may have strained relationships with family and the thought of being around them, may be triggering. Some people may not have family around to be with. Some people may feel stressed by finding gifts and trying to make people happy. As a result, some may over indulge in alcohol or other substances to relieve the anxiety and stress. That’s how an unhealthy relationship with substances can start and grow. We have seen already the impact isolation due to COVID has impacted rising rates of substance use.
So What Can We Do?
Tip 1: Think about ways you enjoyed yourself before the holiday season.
Things that didn’t include alcohol or other substances. Things that helped you to feel relaxed and happy, or at least better. Make sure to make time for them every day. These are self-care activities. Self-care is not selfish. In fact, they are important in helping cope with stress, finding balance and replenishing our energy.
Tip 2: Try to do some amount of physical activity each day or even every other day.
Despite the potential for less celebrations, we still have the opportunity to indulge. And we should. This year has been tough and we should celebrate our accomplishments both big and small. Having dedicated time for exercise a couple times a week will help us feel better physically. It will also help you feel better mentally. There are plenty of free, easy and light workouts just on Youtube. Throw something on and enjoy taking time to do your body, mind and spirit some good.
Tip 3: Reach out for support if you need it.
You are not alone in any feelings of anxiety, stress or depression. This is quite normal for this time of year. Try not to completely isolate yourself and reach out to someone close. Let them know the Holidays sometimes make you feel this way and you may reach out to them when you feel down. You also don’t have to put off getting professional help either. Therapists understand this time of year is challenging and are available to help.
If you take anything from this, I hope it is that you are not alone.
The Holidays can highlight a lot about our lives that we may not like. If you can do so, for every negative thought you have try and think about at least one positive thing. We are so often more focused on the dark stuff, that we forget about the light. And there are many lights in our lives. Not just the ones on the Menorah, Christmas tree, Kinara, or other holiday related object. There is light within all of us. We just have to find it.
It can take a bit of work and support to shine, and you are worth that work and support. Your shine is wanted and needed.
___________________________________________________________________
If you would like to speak further about support for alcohol or substance use please reach out to me at: Matt@HalcyonHealth.co
