Christmas is a day full of joy and happiness. Be a jolly person and celebrate this day from the core of your heart, as it only comes once a year. Do not just consider this a holiday season; it’s a day that brings immense happiness. Party with your friend, and decorate your own space to revitalize your pleasure on this cherished occasion. You are lucky if you are mentally stable and active and able to enjoy the happiest time of year. But those individuals who are not mentally active, feeling sad or frustrated have to face issues even on that premium day. Unfortunately, there is a link between Christmas and depression. However, if you want to know more about Christmas Anxiety and Depression and coping strategies, then read this article.
Christmas Anxiety and Depression
If a holiday season triggers certain factors that can lead to anxiety or depression, then it is referred to as the holiday blues. However, if it occurs during the season of Christmas, then it is called Christmas anxiety or depression. Although it’s a temporary phase of sadness, it can ruin your special day or occasion.
What can trigger Christmas Anxiety and Depression?
Anything can make the person sad. Remember that getting sad sometimes is quite normal, but if your sadness is affecting your life functioning, then it indicates that it is time to think about your mental health. Multiple factors can trigger the development of Christmas anxiety and depression. But the most common factors that can make your day bad by inducing the symptoms of anxiety or depression include:
- Stress
- Unrealistic expectations
- Fatigue
- Financial loss
- Loss of any loved one
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Family dynamics
- Over-Commercialization
- Trauma
- Physical illness
- Social distancing
Furthermore, if you are the victim of any of these stress factors, then you can experience the following symptoms:
- Worthlessness
- Sense of unconsciousness
- Headache
- Over-eating
- Sleep issues
- Reduced interest or passion
Main Coping Strategies for Christmas Anxiety and Depression
Multiple ways are useful to prevent Christmas anxiety and depression, which include:
Identify the
Before doing anything, you should first identify your triggers. Put pressure on your mind to think about which things usually make you anxious. As you identify your trigger factors, the next thing that you can do is to find out those ways that you can use to prevent the triggers and acquire mental stability. In this way, you can enjoy Christmas and every single day with mental peace.
Set Realistic expectations
Understandably, every individual deserves perfectionism. If you are planning for your Christmas, then you might be thinking that you will decorate your home perfectly. So, to make everything perfect, you will take stress, and there is a greater possibility that you will suffer from Christmas anxiety and depression. So you should avoid taking this stress and only focus on those things that truly matter, such as your family, friends, or loved ones. But don’t forget to prioritize your self-care if you truly want to live your day.
Positive social gatherings
In each family gathering, there is always one person who recalls bad memories or exhibits any bad behavior. Their behavior affects the mental state of others. So it’s better to avoid such individuals who can ruin your mental peace on that beautiful day. Even if they force you to substance abuse, then deny that and make your day free from any kind of negativity.
So Christmas is on the way, so be ready for your social meetings. If you feel that your presence is essential but you will not feel comfortable there, then make a plan to remain happy on that happiest day. Spend just a few minutes and then excuse to leave that meeting. Do this by considering the limits so it will not seem bad to anyone. Move away from that toxic gathering and spend your day with your friends or those loved ones with whom you feel a free and happy soul.
If you are unable to move out of that unpleasant social gathering, then train your mind to focus only on those things that are useful for you. Definitely, the useless talk is not useful for you and absolutely harmful to your mental health, so avoid that and simply pass that day with a big smile on your face.
Self-care strategies
Always remember that if you are mentally stable and active, then it does not mean that you should avoid your physical health. Focus on your physical and mental health together.
Pay special attention to your:
- Diet
- Sleep
- Physical activity
Practice mindfulness
By staying in the present, you can enjoy more as you clear your mind from all negative thoughts of the past and worries about your future. To calm your mind and soul, you can practice mindfulness techniques such as yoga meditation, deep breathing, and other exercises.
Practice gratitude
First of all, exhibit your gratitude that god has given you another special occasion to celebrate. You can keep a gratitude journal and note down those things on which you feel and express gratitude.
Open up your feelings.
Do not hide your emotions. Share your feelings, thoughts, and emotions with your loved ones. By doing this, you can feel more calm and relaxed.
Connect with your loved ones
If you are feeling nervous before attending the social gathering on Christmas, then before that you can do some important things or make some strategies to gain confidence. Build your social connections and also try to communicate with your loved ones before directly meeting them at any gathering. You can also make a phone call, video call, or a small gathering so that you can share all your concerns with them and feel comfortable.
Spend time with animals
If you are away from your home, then you will surely feel the absence of your loved ones on this occasion. For this, don’t be sad; think about other ways that can make you happy. If you have a pet, then you can also spend some time with the animals and show your love and encouragement. You can also make them your best friend or companion and spend your time.
Healthy and Productive activities
Develop an idea of how you can adapt the holiday traditions of Christmas and turn your day into a source of joy and happiness. To relax and flourish your mind, you can also develop those strategies that you and your loved ones can participate in and learn new things while enjoying at the same time. Buy some gifts and give them to others. This is useful to share or spread happiness. You can also buy some flowers or gifts for yourself if you don’t have anyone who can give you a gift. So don’t wait for someone and initiate your happiness.
Don’t forget to do the charity
You can also make your day memorable by spending it with homeless individuals or those who need your support and love on this special day. Become a volunteer to serve a Christmas dinner and spread happiness this Christmas.
Professional help is just a few steps away from you!
So, if you want to light up your mind and soul this Christmas, then you should be free from any kind of mental illness. If your Christmas depression is becoming a reason for your worry, then no worries, we are here to assist you. At Brainpower Wellness Institute, we are concerned about your mental health. We want you to enjoy your holiday without taking any stress. We want you not just to spend but also live the moments with your loved ones on the occasion of Christmas. You are not alone in your mental health battle. Reach out to our mental health experts and get the best strategies to overcome the Christmas depression. Join our support groups to restructure your mind and celebrate the love, laughter, and light on this auspicious occasion.
