During this time of year, radio and TV ads would have us believe we should all feel merry and bright. Sadly, that’s not always the case. According to the National Institute of Health, many people experience depression during the holiday season.
Some of the most common reasons people experience depression during this time of year are:
Financial hardship –
‘Tis the season to be jolly unless your bank account is overdrawn and your credit cards maxed out. Not having a budget to buy loved ones presents, especially our children, can feel devastating.
Stress –
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the added stress of shopping, planning, and traveling. Studies have found this is particularly true for women.
Grief and loneliness –
Many people feel incredibly lonely during the holidays. Whether it’s from being single, recently divorced, or having just lost a loved one, the holidays are often a reminder of what we don’t have but wish we did.
If you can relate and are looking for some relief, here are ways you can cope with your depression this holiday season:
Feel Your Feelings
If you are grieving a loss, it’s important that you’re honest about your feelings. Your instinct may be to put on a brave face for friends and family, but forcing yourself to be happy for the sake of others will only make matters worse. Sadness and grief are a part of life, no matter the season, and it is 100% okay for you to feel your feelings.
Give Something Besides Money
If a lack of finances is the primary source of your mood, look for other ways you can give to others. You can volunteer at a local charity. Are you a good cook? Offer to cook for friends and family. If your talent is writing, write your kids a bedtime story or, if it’s painting, paint a beautiful mural on their wall. At the end of the day, thoughtful gifts from your heart will leave the greatest lasting impression.
Focus on Self Care
It’s important that you care for yourself during the holiday season. Eat right, drink filtered water, exercise, and get plenty of rest. While these steps are important for everyone throughout the entire year, they are particularly important for those suffering from depression during the holidays.
Seek Help
Depression is nothing to take lightly. If your depression has lingered, is getting worse, or you’re having suicidal thoughts, it’s imperative that you seek help from a qualified mental health professional. They will be able to help you navigate your overwhelming emotions and offer tools to manage symptoms.
If you’d like to explore treatment options, please get in touch with our care coordination staff. You don’t have to suffer alone. We would be more than happy to speak with you about how we may be able to help.
Start Depression Treatment in Wilmington, NC
Living with depression is not easy. And you don’t need to suffer any longer. Here at our Wilmington, NC-based counseling practice, you can find the support you deserve. Our depression therapists are confident that treatment can help you find yourself again. And you can receive support either in-person or virtually with online therapy in North Carolina. Follow the steps below to begin depression treatment in Wilmington, NC.
- Contact us at (910) 202-4326.
- Meet with one of our experienced depression therapists.
- Overcome depression and find joy in your life again.
Other Services at Evolution Wellness
The skilled therapists at our counseling center located in Wilmington, NC want to help you on your wellness journey. To do so, we provide anxiety treatment, therapy for grief and loss, LGBTQIA affirmative counseling, and EMDR therapy for trauma and PTSD. Additionally, our services are available to teens, adults, and couples. In fact, our couples therapists provide everything from premarital counseling to marriage counseling, sex therapy, or even divorce counseling. And you can access our services both in-person or online in North Carolina.