This post is about why do I get depressed at Christmas?
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Christmas is supposed to be a fun and carefree time of year, right? But for many of us, it can bring feelings of sadness or stress instead of happiness.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do I get depressed at Christmas?” you’re not alone! Let’s chat about it!
Let’s discuss what causes these holiday blues and how to manage them to make you happy this holiday season.
Why do I get depressed at Christmas?
1. What Are Holiday Blues?
First things first, what are these “holiday blues”? They’re the sad or stressed feelings that can come up around Christmas time.
Ever wondered why Christmas triggers you and why you find yourself in a state of despair and sadness instead of joy? This could be because of things like missing loved ones, feeling overwhelmed by the season, a breakup or a job that you don’t like (and having to attend Christmas parties).
Even though Christmas is full of celebrations, the pressure to be happy all through Christmas can sometimes leave us feeling the opposite.
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed or sad sometimes, even during the holidays. It’s about being real with yourself.
Demi Lovato
2. Why Do We Feel Down During Christmas?
You might ask, “Why do I get depressed at Christmas?” There are lots of reasons! When I found myself depressed one Christmas it was because:
- I felt lonely (as I was single at the time)
- I didn’t like my job and the thought of discussing it over Christmas dinner made me feel sick.
- My family annoyed me especially one of my siblings at the time. Even though we worked it out, it was frustrating to be in the same room as him and didn’t bring me joy at all.
- I felt it was another year and another milestone (being Christmas day) that I hadn’t achieved the goals that I had set out a year prior
- I was bored during the holidays as most of my friends were married and celebrating with their loved ones and significant others.
For some, it’s because they feel lonely, or they miss family members who aren’t around. Others might feel stressed from buying gifts, planning parties, or having too many events to attend. Money can also be a worry during the holidays, adding to the pressure.
You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to be yourself. That’s all that matters
taylor swift
If you need more help staying positive during a difficult time go here.
3. How to Manage Holiday Stress
So, what can you do if the holiday stress starts to weigh on you? Try to set realistic expectations for yourself.
- Give yourself a minute to breathe (find a quiet spot to just focus on your breathing and relax).
- Don’t stress over things you can not control.
- Be mindful of other people’s feelings (even if you are hurting).
- Don’t say yes to everything, protect your energy.
- Don’t let other people drain you. If you find yourself in a negative conversation that is spiralling out of control, excuse yourself and go find someone else to chat with at the party.
- Make sure you take time to organise some self-care. Christmas is overwhelming so schedule a massage, a walk in nature, a coffee date with a friend, a night at home to watch your favourite show or whatever it is that brings you joy.
You don’t have to buy everyone the perfect gift or attend every event. Take breaks when you need them, and don’t be afraid to say “no” to things that feel too overwhelming. It’s important to take care of yourself first!
4. Simple Ways to Brighten Your Mood
If you’re feeling down, there are lots of little things that can help lift your spirits. Try doing something you enjoy, like baking cookies, watching your favorite holiday movie, or going for a walk.
Reaching out to a friend or family member to chat can also make a big difference. Sometimes just having a good laugh is all you need to feel better!
Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.
dalai lama
5. Focus On What Truly Matters
At the end of the day, Christmas isn’t about presents, perfect decorations, or busy schedules. It’s about spending time with people you care about and finding joy in the simple moments. Try to focus on the things that make you feel grateful, and remember that it’s ok to feel however you feel, even during the holidays.
Final Thoughts
Christmas can be a tough time for many, but by understanding why you feel this way and finding ways to manage the holiday blues, you can make the season more enjoyable.
So next time you wonder, “Why do I get depressed at Christmas?” remember, it’s ok to feel down sometimes, and there are ways to cope and bring some joy back to your holiday season.
This post was about why do I get depressed at Christmas?