The Holiday Blues

The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time of good cheer and optimistic hopes. Yet it is not unusual for many of us to feel sad or lonely during the holiday period. This has come to be known as “The Holiday Blues” or “Holiday Depression.”

The Holiday Blues may occur at any holiday or vacation time, but most commonly happens during the December holidays when it seems just about everyone in the world is celebrating in some way. There are many causes for the holiday blues, but the most typical are the loss of a loved one, loss of job, separation or estrangement from family, a move away from a familiar home, or even a change in family traditions.

The symptoms for the Holiday Blues mimic clinical depression: sleeplessness or constant desire to sleep; loss of appetite resulting in unwanted weight loss; binge eating resulting in unwanted weight gain; difficulty in concentration; difficulty in functioning normally at work and/or at home; feelings of anger, ambivalence, or hopelessness; slow reaction times and an inability to make decisions; an emphasis on the negative; low self esteem; isolation from others; and some very real physical ailments such as headaches, backaches, and melancholy facial expressions.

While these symptoms might be intense and unsettling, The Holiday Blues are usually short-lived, lasting for a few days to weeks before the holiday. The good news is the Holiday Blues usually subside after the holiday as daily routines resume. If they do not, however, it is important to find someone who can help you through this difficult time such as a family member, friend, pastor, or other health care professional. Below, you will find a list of recommended DO’S and DON’TS for managing your Holiday Blues. The most important things to remember are: it’s a normal response to a stress-filled time of year, and you don’t have to suffer unnecessarily.

DO:
Do follow the three basics for good health (eat right, get plenty of rest, & exercise)
Do set realistic goals to organize your time, make lists, prioritize, and set a budget
Do let go of the past and find new ways to celebrate
Do allow yourself to feel sad and grieve—this is a normal response
Do something for someone else and spend time with people who care about you
Do enjoy activities that are free (like at a local church)

DON’T:
Don’t overindulge in alcohol or fatty and sugary goodies
Don’t have unrealistic expectations of self or others
Don’t always count on others to remember your loss and pain
Don’t focus on what you don’t have
Don’t spend money you don’t have

The Holiday Blues can be a very difficult and sometimes unwanted guest at the holidays, but if you follow some of these simple suggestions and remember the words of Jesus, then you will be well on your way to a holiday season that will be merry and bright!

And remember what Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted,” (Matthew 5:4) and “Blessed are you who weep now for you will laugh.”(Luke 6:21)

Resourced from the University of Maryland Medical School and The Stephen Ministry Training Manual