Managing Depression During the Holidays

When you’re living with depression, the bright lights and holiday cheer during this season may feel like a direct contrast to the dark cloud of your mood disorder. 

Because of this, you may absolutely dread the uptick in social gatherings, longer to-do lists, and general pressure to be present and joyful for every holiday celebration. In addition, the colder weather and lack of sunlight can leave you feeling miserable and exhausted. 

Even though all these cards might seem stacked against you, there are practical things you can do to manage your depression and show up in ways that are healthy for you. 

At Sydea Medical Practice in Newport Beach, California, Venice Sanchez, MD, leads our team in offering mental health services for a wide range of conditions, including clinical depression. In this month’s blog, we discuss some helpful tools you can use to manage your depression in healthy ways during this season and hopefully all year round, too. 

Prioritize your physical health 

When your schedule fills up, taking care of yourself might be the first thing to go. However, when you don’t take care of your body, your mental health suffers right along with your physical health. 

If your daily schedule is too busy to practice your normal wellness habits, find ways to adapt. Here are some suggestions:

• Try taking a 10-minute walk outside to move your body and expose yourself to sunlight 
• Avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol, opting for water whenever possible 
• Stay on a consistent sleep schedule
• Commit to eating reasonable portions of your favorite holiday treats

Taking care of your body enhances both your mental and physical health. Additionally, taking steps to care for yourself in the midst of chaos is a mentally healthy habit. 

Stay connected to trusted loved ones

Surrounding yourself with people you can trust and rely on during the holiday season can make things feel more manageable. Even if people you talk to regularly are just as busy as you are, finding time to check in whenever you can to share how you’re feeling can ease some emotional burden. 

Don’t be afraid to ask your close friends and family members to help. People are often very willing to help if you provide specific requests. 

Make emotionally healthy decisions

The holiday season is often an emotionally-charged time for many. You may have to deal with difficult relatives and frustrating co-workers even more than usual. 

Try to have realistic expectations going on and remember that you can’t control other people, only yourself. It’s also important to keep in mind that you can always walk away from tricky situations and set healthy boundaries. 

If you already know that certain gatherings or parties are going to be difficult to navigate, set up a coping plan ahead of time. Set aside time to journal, practice self-care, or utilize relaxation techniques before or after these social situations. 

Schedule some extra therapy appointments

Part of a good mental health care plan is talking through things with a mental health professional, such as Dr. Sanchez. She can help you work through negative thought patterns and provide some helpful management strategies. 

To schedule therapy sessions with our team, simply call our office or use our online booking feature today.