Many people experience depression over the holidays, but individuals can combat it with a variety of measures, from exercise to creating new traditions.
The lights on the tree are twinkling, the presents are wrapped – well, maybe, and there could even be a white Christmas this year – but despite the saying that this is the most wonderful time of the year, many people across the country fall into what is called holiday depression during this season.
To combat these unwelcome guests that arrive uninvited, a Queens mental health worker has some words of wisdom that could bring the tidings of joy you’d rather see this time of year.
Anthony J. Maffia, a licensed clinical social worker who is the vice president of psychiatry and addiction services at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Flushing Hospital, pinpointed a number of sources for holiday depression, including stress, a lack of money, fatigue, difficult family relations, and loneliness.
“People have a tendency to become very stressed over the holidays – they’re having to shop, they’re having to cook, they have to worry about relatives and friends coming,” Maffia said.
“There can be a lack of money, and people can become depressed because they don’t have enough money to spend on gifts – which can lead to overspending and then that’s a problem you have to face in January,” Maffia continued. “There’s fatigue – people need to accomplish tasks, and they fall behind; they become tired, and they become more anxious and more upset.”
So, what can you do if you find yourself struggling this season?
To alleviate stress, Maffia said individuals should focus on eating well, exercising and not forgetting about yourself.
“Exercise reduces anxiety,” Maffia said. “Don’t overeat – the more you overeat, the more upset you become.
“Do something for yourself over the holidays,” he continued. “We’re so busy giving and giving that we don’t do anything for ourselves. Go to a movie, buy yourself a present, go for a massage, do something with someone you love.”
As for financial concerns, the mental health worker stressed the importance of not overspending. Before you head to the mall or get online to go shopping, create a budget for yourself and stick to it. We’ve all heard it, but it’s worth saying again: Money won’t buy happiness. Think about donating to a charity in someone’s name, giving homemade gifts, or starting a family gift exchange so you don’t have to buy bucketfuls of presents.
Then there’s the difficult family relationships: Maybe you’re going to have to face an estranged parent or sibling, or perhaps you’re just going to have to sit through dinner with an aunt or uncle who always manages to say something offensive after gulping down a little too much wine. Whatever the case, Maffia said it’s important to recognize the limits of people including yourself, and not have unrealistic expectations.
“Accept people as they are; people aren’t going to change magically over Christmas as we wish they could,” he said. “If we accept what is, the holidays will go a lot smoother.”
Feelings of isolation and loneliness too can prevail during the holidays, when Maffia said it can be difficult when remembering family members or friends that we used to celebrate with who have died.
“We very fondly remember those days, and certainly a remedy for that is to start your own new traditions,” Maffia said. “Many of us no longer have our parents, but we have children and grandchildren. Now we can pass on traditions to them.”
By Anna Gustafson
