For most people, the holiday season is a time to make merry, have fun, and laugh their hearts out, with family and friends. However, this is not the case for everyone. To some, the holidays mean wallowing in deep pain, agony, stress, and loneliness.
So, why is depression so common during holidays?
Here are a few reasons why you may become depressed during the holiday period.
Social Isolation
You might not know this, but social isolation is one of the biggest causes of depression, particularly during the holidays.
Some people tend to become withdrawn from social places and activities hence it’s not surprising that they have a small social circle. However, this can quickly turn into a sense of isolation, thus leading to depression over time.
Most of these people do not even have the chance or opportunity to make friends because they have an inner sadness that consumes them within, hence making them look unfriendly and unapproachable.
Their withdrawn status makes the symptoms of depression even worse and they feel lonelier and unwanted. Many at times when they see other families happy at the mall or lovely couples sharing a moment at the park, they cannot help but wonder why that can’t be them or why everyone else is happy but not them.
The endless wonder is exactly what causes stress and eventually leads to depression.
One of the ways that you can deal with social isolation is by reaching out to friends and family who usually play a big role as a support system. You can also speak to a professional therapist who will help you discover your main source of sadness which makes you withdrawn and also table possible solutions to your problems.
Grieving During Holidays
It is a painful ordeal to lose a loved one during or prior to a holiday. The pain may hit you much, especially if you had plans with them. The process of recovering from the loss may take longer, hence, leading to depression.
Nevertheless, we have some tips for you to overcome such situations as stated below:
- Instead of spending time at home, try out new things like a family outing or vacation at least bring in a new tradition.
- Always feel free to turn down invitations that you do not feel very free attending. Let the host know you are not attending and do not give in to the holiday pressure.
- Take random walks in a park or in the woods. This will help you relax and feel better.
- Alternatively, you can dedicate your time to work as a volunteer e.g. by keeping you busy maybe in a charity organization or soup kitchen, or even taking part in a gift drive.
It’s not easy to fight depression, but it is important that we stay in a great mental state.
