Inspirational Thoughts

December 2006

Strategies for Overcoming the Holiday Blues

The holiday season can be the loneliest time of the year, especially during the month of December. Even though the research refutes the notion that the highest rate of suicides occurs in the month of December, many people do experience the Holiday Blues because of the loss of a loved one, exhaustion, separation from family and close friends, feelings of failure due to unmet goals and expectations, significant changes and increased stress. Some may even experience the Holiday Blues because they cannot afford to go Christmas shopping.

This year has been particularly difficult for many people in the African American community especially those who are still traumatized by the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Survivors of this ongoing tragedy are still trying to recover from personal losses, making them even more vulnerable and at-risk, especially around the holidays. The war in Iraq continues to cause many families to be separated from loved ones either through death or distance. But we cannot forget that our communities have not been sufficiently insulated from violence, unemployment, and the high homeless and poverty rates that make celebrating during the holiday season less feasible. Unfortunately, these tragic realities may make people more at risk of experiencing the Holiday Blues and more chronic mental health problems.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are a number of signs and symptoms that signal the presence of the Holiday Blues, such as: headaches, inability to sleep or sleeping too much, changes in appetite causing weight loss or gain, agitation and anxiety, excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt, diminished ability to think clearly or concentrate, and decreased interest in activities that usually bring pleasure. If these symptoms persist, however, one may be experiencing a depressive disorder.

There are several strategies that may be useful in overcoming the Holiday Blues:

• Acknowledge your pain and do not suffer in silence
• Connect with a good support system
• Connect to your spiritual source
• Forgive yourself and others for the mistakes of the past
• Focus on the positive aspects of your life
• Create a new way of celebrating the holidays
• Do not forget the real reason for the season
• Count your blessings, one by one, because there are many people who may be suffering even more than you
• Do something special for yourself that will not cause financial strain, such as take a long hot bubble bath
• Do something for others, such as volunteer time at a shelter, hospital, church, nursing home, or senior center
• Be sure to maintain a healthy diet and get sufficient rest and exercise
• Set realistic goals and expectations for the coming year, and approach the new year with a positive attitude and faith.
• If feelings of depression and sadness continue to persist, seek the consultation of a trained mental health professional to assist you during your time of need.