Avoiding the Holiday Blues

This is the time of year that many people experience depression for a variety of reasons. Your plans may not meet your expectations, you may be experiencing the holidays without a loved one or you are stressed by your schedule and finances. If this tends to be a difficult time for you, here are some suggestions to help make the only holiday blues this year, the ones you play on the saxophone.

· Develop realistic expectations of family gatherings. If Aunt Betty is always grumpy, why be surprised if she is grumpy during the holiday dinner this year? Sometimes we have to realize that the perfect holiday, where people leave arm in arm, may not happen. That does not mean that the event was a failure. Look for the positive moments and focus on them.

· Make a realistic schedule. Do you really have to make the home made cookies, send cards, and prepare a five course meal? By the time you are done, you are so tired and stressed you may not even enjoy the event. Pick a couple of important traditions to follow and then relax.

· Try to keep a routine. This time of year is notorious for excess eating, drinking and late hours. No wonder you feel down and a little out of sorts. Try to keep up with your exercise routine and restrict those extra treats to a couple days out of the week. Remember alcohol is a depressant; it can make matters worse if this is a depressing time of year for you.

· Assume this year will be better. This is time to be like the “little engine that could” and say, “I will enjoy this time of year, I know I can.” Positive self talk can be a self fulfilling prophecy.

· Be with supportive people. For those who are experiencing a holiday without a loved one, it can be a particularly difficult time. It is normal to be sad and grieving. This is time to be around supportive people who can hold you when you need to cry and also help you find something to laugh about. That’s what friends are for.

If this holiday season becomes too difficult to handle, call the Center for Child & Family Services at 838-1960. You will find a supportive counselor who can help you through these difficult times.