Holiday Depression: 11 Tips for Avoiding Common Triggers

By Tammy Worth

It's a myth that suicide is more common around the holidays (springtime is actually the peak). But holiday cheer isn't a given either.

High expectations, money woes, and other holiday hazards can spell trouble for anyone, but especially those prone to depression.

With a bit of foresight and planning, however, holidays can leave you feeling up, not down. Follow these tips for a successful holiday.

Comments

[UKNY]

11:36 AM on 12/19/2011

12) Quit feeling sorry for yourself and consider people with far less than you.

[AltmanB]

09:51 PM on 01/15/2012

While helping others is helpful it can be counterproductive to simply say "stop feeling sorry for myself." Recovery is more complex thatn that.
WWW.depressiontorecovery.com

[devildog0311usmc]

05:18 PM on 12/18/2011

ALCOHOL IS THE ONLY THING THAT MAKES ME HAPPY. WHEN I'M DRINKING, I FORGET ABOUT THE WORLDS PROBLEMS.

[AltmanB]

09:53 PM on 01/15/2012

alcohol actually exacerbates problems. Not only does it create more challenges, it also cuts short time spent on proactively solving them.

[Yvonne Serocki]

05:14 PM on 12/18/2011

For a blue Christmas go outside to a beautiful place in nature and soak in the beauty. Remember that the source of Love is found within. You are never alone if you are all-one with the Presence. We are connected, whole and one with everything at the innermost part of our being. When things are darkest outside, go inside your heart and find the Light of the world. Ask to be filled with the Light of the Spirit. Ask to be filled with the Higher Love of God. May all who are lonely, depressed or feeling loss this Christmas feel the arms of Love enfolding them and bring them peace. www.newheavenonearth.wordpress.com

[devildog0311usmc]

05:22 PM on 12/18/2011

SEROCKI----GOOD ADVISE BUT IS COLD IN ILLINOIS, GOING FOR A WALK NOW ? NO THANKS.

[Yvonne Serocki]

06:17 PM on 12/18/2011

I guess that would literally be a "blue" Christmas :) At least you have a chance for a white Christmas...it is sunny and 65 degrees here! May you be filled with warmth, love, and blessings.

[AltmanB]

09:55 PM on 01/15/2012

This remindsme of something a five year old Sunday school chiled taught me this morning. She said "open your heart to love." How profound.
WWW.depressiontorecovery.com

[jokamachi]

05:10 PM on 12/18/2011

Tips for avoiding holiday depression? Well, if you're an atheist, I suggest going into a cave, closing your eyes, and putting your fingers in your ears. That or just wander the freeways in search of a liberating hit and run.

Personally, I love the holiday season.

[devildog0311usmc]

05:14 PM on 12/18/2011

TELL THAT TO THE 50 MILLION AMERICANS WHO ARE POOR.. TELL THAT TO THE MILLIONS WHO ARE UNEMPLOYED. DUH.

[femmyror]

05:27 PM on 12/18/2011

You're encouraging people to try to get hit by a car? What a shi_ty comment. What's wrong with you?

[SHIRLEY CARR]

02:50 PM on 12/18/2011

Agreed! Even if I get up and go to the bank to desposit a measly $5, once I get outside, I awaken to what's around me, thereby avoiding the silent feeling of being alone in my own little corner. Once nature abounds, depression skips by. Only by myself inside does depression have a chance of hitting me on the head. So I skip being alone as much as possible; but if I'm reading a book, it has got to be one of good-natured, fun-loving action. My daily calendar til Xmas is already filled with sometimes dumb things to do so I am brain-active and not subjected to the loneliness of being family-less. Keeping busy....way to go..planning ahead..priority one!

[colin72]

08:25 PM on 12/17/2011

"11 Tips For Avoiding Holiday Depression Triggers"

1) Stay away from family gatherings.
2) Do not consume large quantities of alcohol.
3) If you must attend family gatherings, consume large quantities of alcohol.

[Maggie46307]

09:34 AM on 12/18/2011

BINGO

[devildog0311usmc]

05:17 PM on 12/18/2011

ALCOHOL ?? THAT IS WHAT KEEP ME FROM GOING INSANE.. WHEN I'M DRINKING IS THE BEST TIME FOR ME, I FORGET THE WORLD FOR A FEW HOURS.

[colin72]

05:55 PM on 12/18/2011

Sober up and take off your Caps Lock.

[sophie M]

07:47 PM on 12/17/2011

holidays are the worst......i am always so relieved on January 02.

[SHIRLEY CARR]

02:52 PM on 12/18/2011

Normally I would agree but on Jan 1st I turn a year older...how'd you like to face that on Jan 2nd?
lol

[pinetrale]

06:47 PM on 12/17/2011

Talking a walk in the morning sun for your tolerance level whether 20-45 minutes. can do wonders for some, especially a little before noon, but wear a hat and sunscreen as you can get quite a dose off of water or snow and skin cancer is from cumulative sun exposure. Some folks are just the opposite find the noon sun is too energizing, so hopefully by now people know their best time. Also don't overload on carbohydrates and fat helps. Again antioxidants and plenty of clear fluids, health permitting, help moves the blood and clean it. Make sure your blood pressure is good as well. If you have heart disease consult your doctor of course. Most folks who exercise and eat moderately sleep and feel better. Another thing useful for long falls and winters is a natural sunlight lamp or two for the home. Short exposures of 20 or so minutes can do wonders for those with seasonal depression and you can ask your doctor all about that. They make them with low wattage bulbs now and they are very inexpensive finally. Amazon even carries them by mail order. (no I don't work or own any Amazon). Best to read up on it and there are plenty of sources on the net now.