It’s December … and everyone knows what that means! The festive season is here and most people are in the mood to celebrate and let their hair down. While a major chunk of folks are gearing up for the ‘party season’, there’s a lesser discussed but nevertheless prevalent flipside to this overwhelming time of the year.
Credit: TOI
Not to sound like a party pooper, but the holiday season triggers sadness, anxiety and depression in some people. If you’re someone who relates to this, today, we’ve got you an expert’s take on why this may be happening and how you can deal with it effectively.
Credit: TOI
R. Alford, Senior Therapist at 1to1Help.Net, Bangalore, shared, “For some people, the holidays induce a low feeling … a sinking one that one may not be able to explain. This is commonly known as the ‘winter blues’ and there are a number of reasons for this. One of the top explanations is that the festive season brings about an unsaid expectation for you to be joyous and in high spirits … because everyone else around you is in that frame of mind. The pressure to be happy triggers the opposite, and some of us end up feeling like it’s a burden. People compare their emotions to what they assume others are experiencing or what they’re supposed to feel. There’re a host of things that add to stress and difficult emotions during this period.”
Credit: TOI
She further added, “For those who may be battling depression beforehand, the holiday season may amplify it.
How To Handle The ‘Winter Blues’
While these feelings might be getting the better of you on most days, it’s important to remember that there are indeed ways to combat them. According to Alford, here are the top 3 ways to deal with stress, anxiety and depression during the festive season…
1. Acknowledge what you feel
“If you avoid whatever it is you’re feeling, that will not solve the problem but postpone it. For example, if someone close to you has passed away recently or if you’re having a relationship issue with your mother, friend or brother – it’s absolutely normal to not be in the mood for celebration and fun. You don’t have to force yourself to be happy just because you think the time of the year demands it. Honour what you’re feeling and take your time to heal or even experience the sadness and grief (if any) that’s inside you.”
2. Be realistic and true to yourself
“The festive seasons do not have to be perfect or just like the year before or 2 years before. People evolve, family and friendship dynamics change – be open to newness; especially when it comes to happiness. Don’t define happiness as a feeling that is known. Sometimes, what makes us happy can change and that’s normal. Honour what makes you happy at that moment.”
3. Don’t say “Yes” when you really want to say “No”
“Setting boundaries is one of the most underrated forms of self-care. If you don’t want to go to that party, don’t. If you don’t want another glass of wine because you know intoxication will trigger some negative feelings, don’t drink it. Free yourself from peer pressure and more than half your burden will be lifted.”
Lead: Via TOI & YouTube
