Christmas depression hits millions of people every year. Here are five ways to cope with the holiday blues, and make Christmas meaningful. Dealing with the rush of holiday parties, gift buying, and materialism can lead to severe Christmas depression, or just a touch of the holiday blues. These survival tips will help you cope with feelings of sadness and anxiety over the Christmas season. Don’t Swallow the Commercial or Hollywood Hype!!!
1) Christmas isn’t about gorgeous decorations, unbelievably happy families, and expensive gifts. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to be perfect or feel ecstatically happy.
2)Stay Active Over the Holiday Season
Getting enough exercise, oxygen, and fresh air may help lift the holiday blues. If you don’t have the energy or time to go skating, tobogganing or snowshoeing, simply go for a walk in river valley or around the block.
3) Start New Christmas Traditions
If you’ve lost someone you love and this is the first Christmas without them, let yourself grieve naturally. Christmas depression or holiday blues is a normal way to feel – as long as it doesn’t last for months afterward.
4)Be Aware of Your Family’s Dynamics
Ironically, your family and friends may be the source of your holiday blues (though according to movies and television, they should really be helping you make Christmas meaningful!). You may not be able to change your family’s dynamics, but at least be aware of how your family and friends affect you. Are you particularly sad after shopping with your mother? Do you dread the family Christmas dinner? To survive Christmas depression, find ways to shorten or eliminate the experiences that make you feel bad.
5)Get Professional Help With Severe Christmas Depression
If you’re really struggling emotionally, and you know it’s more than a mild case of the holiday blues, then get help. Similarly, if a family member or friend seems to be struggling with a serious case of Christmas depression, don’t hesitate to reach out to them. Consider calling for outside help. Many volunteers work over Christmas at hotlines or help centers -- don't wait until it's too late! ---Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen
Read more at Suite101: Surviving Christmas Depression and Holiday Blues: 5 Ways to Cope with the Holiday Blues Suite101.com http://l-pawlik-kienlen.suite101.com/surviving-christmas-depression-a37981#ixzz1gzG6ZeU6
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