The holidays are a magical time of the year! Family gatherings, holiday parties, the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, cheerfulness, and carolers singing. The vision of the holidays is something we would expect out of a Hallmark Christmas movie.
For some, the holidays mean additional expenses, overcommitment, an increase in tasks, and ultimately, depression. Depression during the holidays is becoming more and more common. Some of the reasons that we experience depression during this time of the year are because of:
Financial concerns. The amount of money that we spend during the holidays is higher than most other times of the year. Not only are we purchasing gifts for others, but also entertaining more in our homes during the holiday season.
Unrealistic expectations. We’ve seen the holiday movies and read Christmas books and, through the years, have created an image of what the holidays are “suppose” to be like for us. When reality doesn’t unfold in the same manner as that storybook we envisioned, we get disappointed.
Stress. Unwelcomed guests, shopping, preparing for a holiday party are only a few examples that can cause stress during the holiday season.
Social Isolation. Some people have a smaller circle of friends and can’t visit family during the holidays. Seeing others attend holiday events and time with family may leave them feeling alone.
Some signs of depression in women include:
Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
Irritability
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Decreased energy or fatigue
Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
Moving or talking more slowly
Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Changes in appetite or weight
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without an exact physical cause that do not ease even with treatment
Experiencing depression has increased with women who are pregnant over the years. 1 in 7 women experiences depression, according to a study by JAMA Network Open. Their research showed that:
Millennials suffer from depression more than any other generation.
Women who received fertility treatments have a higher risk of depression. The increase in depression is primarily due to the side effects of the medication, money worries, and stress created by the outcome’s uncertainty.
Women who have anxiety have a higher risk of depression.
Here are some solutions to dealing with holiday stress:
Acknowledge your feelings
Reach out
Volunteer your time or do something to help others
Be realistic - the holidays don't have to be perfect
Set aside differences
Stick to a budget
Donate to a charity in someone's name
Give homemade gifts
Plan
Learn to say no
Eat healthy meals
Get plenty of sleep
Exercise
It’s ok to take a breather from everything and take some time for yourself during this hectic time of the year. If nothing seems to help the depression that you feel, get help. Contact your physician or the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 for free and confidential support.
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org