It’s that time of the year again: after Sinterklaas has returned back to Spain it’s again time for some sleigh bells jingling, decorating Christmas trees, office end-of-the-year parties and Christmas vacation. December is a jam-packed month full of festivities. For some people it genuinely is the most wonderful time of the year, but many others experience the holiday season as a time of sadness, self-reflection and loneliness.
What causes this holiday blues?
Although sadness is a very personal feeling, there are some specific factors that involve the holiday blues. Depression tends to increase during the holidays due to an increase in demands (perceived as stressful), family issues and being unable to manage expectations.
Increase in demands
In the holiday season there is an increase in the number of activities, tasks, and social events. Shopping and gift-buying can cause financial and emotional stress. Family school and work celebrations take up social, time and energy demands. Traveling to be with family or friends for the holidays can cause a variety of additional stress. If you are experiencing a significant loss or actively grieving, the holidays can be more stressful. School, work, and sleep schedules are often disrupted during the holidays and healthy ways of managing stress like ensuring good nutrition and daily exercise are often interrupted.
Family issues
Christmas is usually seen as a ‘family celebration’, so any issues that a person has with their family will come to the forefront during this time. If there is loss, abuse, addiction or disconnection affecting your family, then there is the likelihood that you will have to manage the emotions that are related to these issues. For someone already managing depression, it is an additional emotional burden. On the other hand, being unable to be with family or friends (for whatever reason) can also be highly stressful.
Managing Expectations
Although the holidays can be a time for celebration and joy, all of the increased demands on our time, energy, patience and flexibility can take a toll. A lot of people experience pressure to have a ‘wonderful Christmas and a happy new year’. These unrealistic expectations – that are reinforced by all the advertisements of happy families at the Christmas table and holiday movies with happy endings – can create even more stress.
The combination of increase in demands and limited reserves can cause symptoms of fatigue, irritability and sadness. But what can you do to prevent getting the holiday blues? Read our tips in our next blog post!