The holiday season is not always a cheerful time for everyone. For some, the season reminds them of loved ones that they’ve lost, or it’s a significant pressure point on their finances. Experiencing these things when you might feel they should be your happiest could further dampen your spirits, leading to depression. This can be tricky to deal with on your own. If you’re struggling during the holiday season, you should call the mental health professionals at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida at 866.294.5306 to get the holiday depression help you need.
Why You Might Be Experiencing Holiday Sadness
Whether holiday depression is a regular occurrence for you or if this is the first time you’re experiencing it, there may be several underlying causes. The first step to overcoming your symptoms is by understanding what has you down. Below are some of the most common reasons you may be experiencing holiday sadness this year.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of major depressive disorder that begins during the fall and winter seasons and lightens up around spring. The root cause is linked to reduced sunlight and a drop in serotonin levels.
Symptoms may include:
- Insomnia
- Poor appetite
- Agitation or anxiety
- Social withdrawal
If you’re dealing with this disorder, you may also find that you’re more sluggish, have difficulty concentrating, and have suicidal thoughts.
Grief
The holiday season is a constant reminder of family and spending time with loved ones. If your loved one is no longer here, this season can bring up feelings of loneliness and isolation. You may feel like you’re reliving the experience of losing them. This grief can cause you to withdraw from others and further exaggerate the symptoms of depression.
Money Issues
All of the holiday shopping, extravagant events, and decor associated with the holiday season can strain your budget. If you’re already dealing with money issues, then the holiday season is sure to put a spotlight on them. Not being able to afford gifts for your family or attend celebrations may make you feel excluded and frustrated at the entire experience. You may start to feel inadequate and sink into a depression.
Unrealistic Expectations
The festivities associated with the holiday season can set unrealistic expectations for joy, happiness, and abundance. Some people may expect you to be filled with joy about the season, spend lots of time and money on your family, and exist in pure bliss. These unrealistic expectations can feel overwhelming, making you feel like you don’t measure up.
What to Do About Depression on Holidays
By knowing what’s causing your depression, you can better tackle the symptoms. First, start by setting realistic expectations for yourself. The holiday season only happens once per year, so you shouldn’t spend so much of your energy on pleasing others, especially not if it will negatively affect your mental health.
No matter what’s triggering your depression on holidays, you should reach out to someone right away. Depression can make you feel isolated, which can exacerbate the symptoms of depression. A licensed mental health professional can assist you in working through these symptoms.
Contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida for Holiday Depression Help
When you’re experiencing depression during the holidays, don’t go at it alone. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, our qualified professionals are experienced in helping our clients deal with their depression symptoms. We offer a wide array of detox and prevention services and comprehensive counseling and therapies for our clients to use. We believe in taking a wholesome approach to mental health. Therefore, if you’re struggling with managing your emotions, call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida today at 866.294.5306.
