Stress, Depression, and the Holidays

The December holiday season is often portrayed as a happy time of glistening fireplaces, flawless family gatherings, bountiful food and gifts, and personal reflection. For many, however, those expectations are unrealistic and overwhelming, and loneliness, restricted finances and unwanted social demands result in stress, a sense of loss, and depression.

Feelings of stress and depression can be overcome. Try some of these 12 pre-emptive strategies to help make the holidays a joyous time not to be missed.

• Acknowledge Your Feelings
• Seek Support from People Who Care about You
• Be Realistic
• Set Differences Aside
• Stick to a Budget
• Plan Ahead
• Learn to Say No
• Don’t Abandon Healthy Habits
• Take a Breather
• Rethink Resolutions
• Forget about Perfection
• Seek Professional Help if You Need It

Resource: Mayo Clinic - Article: Stress, depression and the holidays: 12 tips for coping – mayoclinic.com

State and Local Resources

• Lorain County Board of Mental Health: Coping with the Holidays Booklet (1.800.360.3070)
• The Ohio State University Extension: Family Fundamentals: Happy Holidays? Cope with Stress, Tension
• Ohio Health: Understand Your Sources of Stress
• The Cleveland Clinic: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Cuyahoga County Community Mental Health Board at 216.241.3400
• Netwellness: Depression

National Resources

• AMHC: A Primer on Coping (and some Holiday applications)
• Hospice : How to Help Ourselves Through the Holidays
• American Psychological Association: Coping with Holiday Stress

Enjoy Your Holidays!