Overcoming Post-Holiday Depression
Posted on: January 3rd, 2014
The holiday season is an exciting, frenetic time. The calendar is full of parties, activities and special events that come only once a year. For many of us, these festivities can be all-consuming.
It’s no wonder that once the season is over and the guests have gone, the seemingly hum drum pace of everyday life can return with a thud. The work of taking down the decorations and returning to normalcy begins. Loneliness can set in as children return to school and adults return to work. Everyday life seems to disappoint compared to the holidays, and according to Psych Central, as many as 25% of all Americans may experience either low-grade or full-blown post- holiday depression.
Other issues that arise at this time of year can be the result of overindulgence. An abundance of holiday food and drink leads to weight gain and subsequently negative feelings about body image.
There are effective ways to relieve mild cases of post-holiday blues. Schedule social activities in January and February so that you won’t go from a hyper-social experience to nothing abruptly. This will give you something positive to look forward to. Find volunteering opportunities in your community. Not only will you be contributing to a worthy cause, but it’s an excellent way to meet new, like- minded people. Or try devoting time and energy to self-improvement goals for the new year – eating healthier, exercising more, getting better organized, etc. All of these ideas will help diminish the post-holiday slump, however, complete relief is not realistic. Some degree of post-holiday disappointment will creep in, and this is to be expected – it’s normal.
Those in the grips of full-blown holiday depression will experience more serious physical and emotional symptoms, which according to the Mayo Clinic include fatigue, insomnia, excessive sleeping and changes in appetite. The emotional red flags are irritability, prolonged sadness and difficulty concentrating or making decisions. It’s essential that you take these warning signs seriously, and seek professional help.
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