Mental Health and the Holidays

The AP Team on December 21, 2016

Despite all the reasons to celebrate and the general mirth this season brings, for many, the holidays are a particularly tough time of year.

December can be joyous. Even people who don’t celebrate Christmas will often take the opportunity to gather with loved ones, exchange gifts and make merry at this time of year. Obviously, some people celebrate other December holidays, like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa and others still just like to take the opportunity to join in on the fun.

It may seem contradictory then to say that it’s also a rough time of year for a lot of people.

Finding yourself alone at the holidays, thinking about loved ones you’ve lost who used to be a part of your holiday traditions and financial stress can all put a serious damper on the festivities.

So how to beat the holiday blues? We’ve got some tips…

Don’t get caught up in sale drama

A lot of us overspend or go into debt around the holidays because we get excited about big sales and deep discounts.

At ElementsBehavioralHealth.com they explain how sales drama can be a downer:

“Some of the year’s most highly anticipated events, such as Black Friday shopping, could be deleterious to your mental health. A recent study found that the chaos of major sales events may cause anxiety, loss of reality and other mental health issues among shoppers. Retailers bank on these heightened emotions to make the sale. Unsurprisingly, many shoppers feel “spending guilt” after loading up on holiday gifts they can’t afford, which in turn can lead to financial and relationship problems.”

Think of the behavior we see at major sales events. Think of the newscasts you’ve seen of sales that got out of control. People actually get injured just trying to save a few bucks on material goods that they don’t even need.

Try shopping ahead of time and looking for great deals throughout the year. Set yourself a budget and don’t go beyond it. Make lists of things you truly want or need and don’t buy things just because they’re on sale.

If you find that you are unable to resist the siren song (Google it) of holiday shopping for things you don’t even want, you may have an addiction. Talk to a counsellor or therapist about overcoming your compulsive urge to shop.

Think about what gift-giving is really about

Gift-giving can be a wonderful way to express love and affection and as a bonus, it can make you feel better too!

It’s scientifically proven that generosity makes us happy. Giving gifts releases endorphins (happy hormones) in the brain. Studies show that spending money on others makes us happier than spending it on ourselves. A good gift can even strengthen a relationship.

For some, the idea of holiday gift-giving is upsetting, though. They don’t see the point behind exchanging gifts that don’t mean anything and are frustrated by the increasing commercialism that is now associated with Christmas.

Many people find that making gifts is even more rewarding than buying thoughtful items. If you find yourself feeling down about the commercialism of the holidays, consider making gifts for the special people in your life.

If you cook, consider making a cookbook of your favorite recipes. If you draw, create a beautiful image and buy an inexpensive frame to put it in, if you knit, well that one should be obvious. You get the idea.

Any crafter will tell you that homemade does not always mean cheap. Supplies can be expensive and time is always valuable. But if you plan ahead, homemade gifts can definitely be a way more rewarding gifting option.

Plus, as Kirsten Nunez at VerilyMag.com notes, creativity is good for your mental health:

“Creative activities have been shown to improve overall emotional health. The AJPH notes that creativity increases our control over emotional pain and depression. This is due to the self-reflection and greater understanding of oneself that often comes with making. You’re connecting with yourself in a way that you couldn’t otherwise. Similarly, PLOS found that creative activities can mold personality traits—known as “psychological resilience”—in a way that helps you handle outside stressors.”

If you still decide to buy your gifts, try to think more about the person than the price tag.

Give your time

Your time is valuable and your effort is priceless. Not only for those you help but for yourself as well.

By volunteering at a soup kitchen, shelter, toy or food drive this holiday season, you’ll be helping make other people’s lives better, which will make you feel better too:

According to researchers at the University of Melbourne, “people who are more likely to give social support report reduced symptoms of stress depression.“

Loneliness can be a big problem during the holidays. If you’re living far away from loved ones or simply don’t have a strong social circle at this point in your life, consider giving back as a good opportunity to socialize while you’re donating your time.

Many volunteer opportunities involve working alongside other good-hearted people. You may also build rewarding connections with the people you’re helping.

Studies show that the more social you are, the happier you are. Socializing helps us feel a sense of belonging, builds confidence and allows you to get to know yourself better as you interact with others.

Supporting your community is a win-win, especially during the holidays.

Think small

Small gestures can have big impacts.

Try starting a conversation with someone. So many people are alone during the holidays, and a warm conversation with a stranger could make all the difference to their day.

Be kind to the people serving you in a restaurant, smile and wish the cashier at the store happy holidays, hold the door for someone with a stroller or who has their hands full…

Sometimes these small gestures can affect those on the receiving end in a powerful way. You can ‘pay it forward’ with these actions, and start a chain of goodwill that brightens many people’s days.

It will also brighten yours, and help you fight the stress, anxiety and depression that might be affecting you or people you love this holiday season.

If you feel like the holiday season is bringing you down and nothing is helping, seek professional support.

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