The holiday season should be a time of joy and laughter, but this isn’t the reality for everyone. This time of the year also comes with anxiety, stress, lack of energy, and sadness for many people. For those already living with mental health conditions, this time of the year can take a toll.  Â
If you recognize that these feelings are something you experience, especially during this time, you may be going through something called the holiday blues of SAD. The extra stress, expectations, and memories can trigger SAD. Let’s dive deeper into what this is and what you can do to avoid or manage your symptoms. Â
What Are The Holiday Blues?
The holiday blues, or SAD, is a seasonal affective disorder. This disorder only affects people during the last 3 months of the year, and that is what makes it the holiday blues. It is also considered a seasonal depression disorder that comes with the change in the days during this period.  Â
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, over 60% of people say they are affected by the holiday blues. This temporary feeling of anxiety or depression comes with a variety of symptoms that you can look for, such as:Â
- Fatigue
- Tension
- Frustration
- Lonliness or Isolation
- Sadness
- A Sense of Loss
The easiest way to tell that you’re affected by the holiday blues is by noticing a negative mood shift when fall rolls around. You may feel bad, do less, and want to avoid being around the holiday festivities. Â
If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or a family member or friend, it’s essential that you talk about it with a professional. MyCHN has caring mental/behavioral health providers ready to help you through this season. You can schedule in-person or virtual appointments to discuss coping mechanisms. Â
Tips For Managing The Holiday Blues
Fighting SAD, or the holiday blues, can be done by finding ways to alleviate your symptoms. Here are some valuable tips proven over time to work that you can try. Â
- Stick to a normal routine: Having a routine or schedule that you follow allows you to feel accountable for something. Sticking to your plans once you have them scheduled out is much easier, which may bring you less stress. Â
- Limit your time on social media: Being on social media and seeing what everyone else is doing can bring stress and anxiety. This specific type of stress and anxiety can be avoided by not opening an app.Â
- Set reasonable expectations for yourself: You can try to relieve some stress by setting realistic goals and expectations; if this means that you have to spread out your shopping or cooking or even when you see your family, that is fine. Make it work for you.  Â
- Get enough sleep: Sleep has proven itself to be a great way to relax and refresh the mind. Ensure you’re getting 6-7 hours of sleep to ensure you’re fully rested.Â
- Make time to relax: Relaxation during this time of the year is crucial. If you’re feeling down or stressed, stop what you’re doing and actively choose to relax. You can even find a way to relax while you’re getting your to-do list completed. This can be putting on your favorite music or even listening to a podcast you love, like the MyCHN podcast. Â
- Set boundaries: This is the time of year when everyone wants to hang out. It’s essential that you set your boundaries earlier on so that you don’t take on any extra stress. Also, know it’s okay to say no to things you’re uncomfortable with. Protect your mental health. Â
- Take time for yourself without isolating: Taking time to get away from the season’s busyness is important. Make sure that you take time for yourself without isolating. Â
Check In With Yourself & Family Members
Now that you have these tips, it’s time to put them into practice. During this season, take the time to check in on your family and friends. If you notice a change in their mood, suggest these tips and let them know that MyCHN has in-person and virtual therapy and counseling services available. Â
Remember to check in with yourself as you check in on everyone else. Actively assess how you feel and what could be affecting how you feel. Then, try the tips above and seek professional help from a MyCHN mental health provider. Â
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Tolulope Ayoola
Tolulope Ayoola is the creative marketing content writer at MyCHN. She graduated from the University of Houston-Downtown with a degree in Technical Communications. Her goal and mission is to make healthcare patient content more relatable and interesting to interact with. She combines her creative eye with her technical communication skills to create content for patients. Tolu's past work includes creating blogs, press releases, and social media content for different sectors. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, and listening to music & podcasts.
