When Holidays Hurt

Right now, Andy William’s Christmas classic It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year can be heard blasting in retail shops. However, for some, it’s not so wonderful. While the claim that suicides increases during this time is a myth, some suffer during this time.

There are any number of reasons for someone to be blue, even depressed, during this time of year. Death of a loved one (recent or in the past), stress from seasonal family obligations, increased stress at work (such as retail), financial difficulties, Seasonal Affective Disorder, and more can result in making the holidays hard on someone.

 

If you are suffering emotionally, there are steps recommended by professionals. The UK National Health Service website was a source for much of the following:   

• Stay in touch

While it might be tempting to withdraw, don’t. Socializing with others may help.

• Be more active

Activity might help. Consider exercising. Walking is an excellent place to start if you haven’t exercised.

• Face your fears

Sometimes, when depressed, we allow our fears get the best of us. Finding the strength to face your fears may help.

• Don’t drink too much alcohol.

It can be easy to drown your troubles. However, this can actually make someone’s depression worse.

• Try to eat a healthy diet.

Many of us already have poor diets. Depression can make this even worse. We might stop eating or turn to comfort foods and overeat. Also, medications for depression, such as antidepressants, can negatively affect your appetite. 

While diet won’t cure depression, a poor diet can make matters worse. 

• Have a routine

Depression can interrupt your regular routine. Be conscious of this and try to maintain your routine as much as possible.

• Seeking help for depression

You are not alone. There is help. Following are some contacts available for those in crisis.

For those in the US:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Samaritans: 1-877-870-4673
National Hopeline Network: 1-800-442-4673
Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255

For those in the UK:
If you’re under 18, or want to get help for someone under 18, find out how to get mental health support for children and young people.

You can talk it through with your GP first if you prefer.

If you start to feel that your life isn’t worth living or about harming yourself, get help straight away.

Also, you can:

• contact Samaritans on 116 123 for 24-hour confidential, non-judgemental emotional support
• call your GP and ask for an emergency appointment
• call 111 out of hours – they will help you find the support and help you need