Are you feeling “blue” during the holidays?

How the holiday season promotes commercialism and negatively impacts our mental health.

Is it really that bad you may ask? Well, Christmas and New Year’s are just around the corner folks! We have officially rolled into the final week before Christmas. And while many people joyfully anticipate the approach of holidays, the statistics show an entirely different reality for many families in the U.S.

Not so merry after all…

By the now you have probably grown tired of the endless Christmasy commercials consistently flashing from your TV screens presenting us with perfectly wonderful families, dinners, gifts and unexpected encounters. And if that wasn’t enough, we also have social media to top it off! Just in case our moods were not already sufficiently altered with negative feelings (for more info regarding social platforms please check out my recent blog post).  What you wont see in the commercials or posts is the fact that many, and I mean many people struggle psychologically during the holidays. For instance, strained family dynamics, the stress and anxiety of financial burdens including credit card debt, and the inability to meet the expectations of others all contribute to feelings of depression and negativity.

What can you do about it?

Set realistic expectations of yourself – This one is specifically for you perfectionists!  The world is not going to end if your house is not decorated as shown on Pinterest or Instagram. As long as you feel comfortable and at peace in the comfort of your home you should be able to enjoy the holidays. After all, it’s the people, not things that matter most, right?

Set realistic expectations for others – I know this is a tough one. What will people say if you don’t shower with them with expensive gifts? Well, do you want to go into debt over the anxiety of saying “No” to others? Feeling disliked and rejected is not pleasant, but the reality is that those who truly love you will love you no matter what. Set a firm budget, and only buy what you can afford. And if a family member is giving you a list of presents they want, you can give it back to them carefully revised to be within budget!

Don’t compare yourself to others – This applies to every aspect of life, not just the holidays. It is almost as an automatic thought process. It can be challenging to witness how others seem “to have it all” while you’re barely making ends meet. So I say it again, do not compare your life to others. Remind yourself that you’re at a different stage in your life; your path is your own, and your timing is different than theirs.

Take care of yourself – Bubble baths are a nice options but I have something different in mind. What does your soul need most? What brings you inner fulfillment and contentment? Reading, walk with your pups, chat with a long distance friend, see your grandchildren, whatever makes you happy, do more of it. This will not only alleviate your stress, but will also center you and remind you of the more important things in life.

Double down on your appointments with your therapist – if the holidays are negatively impacting your mood, and you sense that your depression is worsening, be sure to seek professional help. Remember, your mental health is important and is not “a phase that will pass”. Mental health is real and has a significant impact on individuals’ day-to-day life as well as their relationships, aspirations and general life goals.

How are the holidays affecting your mood? Feel free to share and comment!

And if you feel you may benefit from therapy, Freedom Counseling LLC would be happy to assist.

Merry Christmas!!

Find your joy during this holiday season!