Holiday Depressions
By Jekca
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
Centralia, Missouri
December 2, 2015 12:47pm CST
I don't know what it is about this season, but it feels to me like many end up sadder than normal. Perhaps for us where Christmas means winter,it's less fresh foods, less sun, bad weather. Or perhaps it's losses of loved ones hitting harder at times you want them there.
No matter the reason, there are small things you can do to help make yourself feel better. Eat healthy whenever possible. Yes, you will be going to places that have treats and such, but eat that salad, eat those veggies whenever you can, to help keep the good food rolling. Keep exercising, even if it's dancing to music inside. Get some sun, when it is out.
Find reasons to smile, a fun song, volunteering (which means yes you have to get out now and then).
They may seem like little things, but the little things add up, and help you combat depression.
What other things could someone do to help with this?
35 people like this
33 responses
@LovingMyBabies (85288)
• Valdosta, Georgia
2 Dec 15
Being at Church has helped me a lot. =) Surrounding myself with positive people who love God make it easier to be happy.
5 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
2 Dec 15
their simple pleasures often help, it's rather like a pet, making them happy often does not take much
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
2 Dec 15
I have always enjoyed winters and even today, despite my arthritis issues, I have been enjoying the food it brings - lots of veggies - we get fresh cauliflowers, spinach and more of these leafy veggies. Tomatoes are more juicy around this time of the year which means more of tomato soups. And, of course, the sunshine.
The only thing I dont find comfortable - getting out of the bed
This year, I have also plans of watching a collection of movies.
This year, I have also plans of watching a collection of movies.3 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
2 Dec 15
@Jessicalynnt 
My wife thinks that I strongly believe in that as I very rarely get out of bed before 10:00 am.
My wife thinks that I strongly believe in that as I very rarely get out of bed before 10:00 am.2 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
2 Dec 15
@thesids I would totally be like that if I could
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
2 Dec 15
I think getting out of bed stinks no matter the season!
2 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
2 Dec 15
I have a feeling I missed a few things.
1 person likes this
@softbabe44 (5816)
• Vancouver, Washington
2 Dec 15
Being a positive inspiration leading a hand smile.
4 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
2 Dec 15
you never know just how much good a smile does
2 people like this
@softbabe44 (5816)
• Vancouver, Washington
4 Dec 15
@Jessicalynnt It really sends the best message.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
2 Dec 15
For some people I think that very much is the case
2 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
2 Dec 15
@Bellatricks check online for lightbulbs, they make some that go in normal lamps now, much cheaper. I have one in one reading lamp that we use some.
2 people like this
@Bella128 (2471)
• United States
2 Dec 15
@Jessicalynnt I used to have a natural light lamp that helped a lot during the winter but it shorted out so I had to throw it out. I think those types of things help people during the days when it's darker longer.
2 people like this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
2 Dec 15
sometimes my memories of lovely wonderful christmas past does leave me a bit depressed but again the sun is shining I m alive and anything good co uld happen this month so I will play some Christmas music send out a few cards and make myself happy.
3 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
2 Dec 15
hun, if I was closer, I would visit once a week I swear!
1 person likes this
@else34 (13515)
• New Delhi, India
3 Dec 15
@Jessicalynnt,Great post,my friend.Every season has both negative and positive aspects.At the same time,there are many things we can try to deal with the negatives.
1 person likes this
@else34 (13515)
• New Delhi, India
4 Dec 15
@Jessicalynnt And if you try to do what you can,help from others is always available.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
4 Dec 15
pretty much, a person can only do what they can do, and get help when needed
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (50258)
• United States
2 Dec 15
A good support group of people to talk to and spend time with.
3 people like this
@Drosophila (16571)
• Ireland
2 Dec 15
I thoroughly enjoyed writing Xmas cards to friends and family.
I always write something special for the person, it reminds of the good times and always put a smile on my face.
In this day and age of typing, writing something with a pen can be oddly therapeutic.
3 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
2 Dec 15
I need to do more of that I think
2 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
4 Dec 15
some very good ideas here! Esp things that should most likely be free!
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
5 Dec 15
@just4him sometimes the Y has discounts and such too, or free/cheaper days
1 person likes this
@just4him (317089)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
4 Dec 15
@Jessicalynnt Church activities are usually free. My Writer's Guild is as well. I know the Y isn't free, but the cost gets you out of the house and some exercise in, if you can afford it.
1 person likes this
@shellyjaneo (1081)
• United Kingdom
2 Dec 15
I think depression is worse around the holidays for many reasons, I guess it reminds you of family problems or people you have lost, also the weather can have a bad effect on some people. Mostly though some people are alone at Christmas and that much be horrible x
2 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
2 Dec 15
this could be it. and steps can be taken to help with some of these things, a lightbulb that's rated for sunlight, finding others who are alone and making some fun memories, etc
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
2 Dec 15
@shellyjaneo Oh I know, I was also thinking reading time at the library, local schools, nursing homes, hospitals, no kill animal shelters
1 person likes this
@shellyjaneo (1081)
• United Kingdom
2 Dec 15
@Jessicalynnt The lightbulbs are meant to be really helpful and there are some charities that aim to put people in touch with other people who are alone but there aren't enough of them x
1 person likes this
@totobasso (331)
• Canada
2 Dec 15
Because Christmas is not real but manufactured for selfish and nefarious motives, there are so many disappointments and it is destructive to many. People don't like to hear that but it is the truth.
3 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
2 Dec 15
it doesnt have to be, but it often is
3 people like this
@chrisandmark (606)
• United Kingdom
2 Dec 15
My mother-in-law suffers with depression and is always worse at Christmas - hers is because she dwells on family she's lost during the holidays and it obviously upsets her and darkens the time for her
3 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
2 Dec 15
for some meds help, counseling, etc, sounds like she might be helped by some counseling.
2 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
2 Dec 15
@chrisandmark that's good, at least it is something.
1 person likes this
@chrisandmark (606)
• United Kingdom
2 Dec 15
@Jessicalynnt She does have counselling, Christmas and Mother's Day are her danger zones (she was really close to her mum) and while it's so sad to see her so down we do know her well enough to know when she's on top of things
2 people like this
@youless (112497)
• Guangzhou, China
3 Dec 15
In my opinion, Christmas shall be a joyful holiday. I guess you will have some days off work during the holiday. Isn't it great? When you are upset, sometimes eating bananas and chocolates will be helpful. They are the food which can make you feel cheerful.
1 person likes this
@Rollo1 (16679)
• Boston, Massachusetts
4 Dec 15
I think the most important thing to do is to lower expectations. No matter how much they love the Hallmark movie channel Christmas movies, life isn't like that. There's no perfect Christmas, people won't suddenly join hands in the streets and start singing Christmas carols, snow is wet and cold unlike that Hollywood snow that never melts, and those bells aren't really made of silver. Enjoy the lights, the music and even watching sappy holiday films, but remember, if you want Christmas to mean more than just that, you have to make it happen. Don't want for goodwill towards men to come to your door, spread a little goodwill yourself. And don't beat yourself up for not having a perfect holiday. No one has one.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
4 Dec 15
that is some of the best advise I have seen on this whole matter.
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
4 Dec 15
I work crazy hours, plus have enough anxiety it would be very hard for me to do this sadly
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
5 Dec 15
could be. or could just be being an adult kills all of the fun
