Tips for Beating the Holiday Blues

Many people can experience feelings of anxiety or depression during the holiday season, and people who already live with a mental health condition should take extra care to tend to their overall health and wellness. In fact, a recent NAMI survey showed that 64% of people with a diagnosed mental illness report that the holidays make their symptoms worse. Holiday blues can look different for many people. For some of us it may mean isolating and making excuses not to attend functions. For others it may mean moodiness, increased crying spells, increased drinking, or staying busy to avoid feeling lonely. A wonderful way to help counteract those feelings during this time is to first recognize and acknowledge the triggers that may bring on those behaviors. For many this can include the shorter days brought by daylight savings, loss of a loved one, changes in diet, financial strain, change in routine, posts on social media, and/or not being able to be with family or friends during the holidays.

Below is a list of suggestions that may also help counteract those holiday blues:

• Avoid family conflict

• Get enough sleep or rest

• Spend time with supportive people

• Don’t drink alcohol if you are feeling down

• Take walks

• Don’t isolate

• Forget perfection

• It’s okay to say no

• Stay within budget

• Set reasonable expectations

• Do something you enjoy

• Enjoy all the wonderful food, but don’t binge

• Invite someone who lives alone to dinner

• Volunteer

• Celebrate a loved one’s life by sharing positive memories

• Forgive yourself, we all make mistakes

Take time to reflect on what really matters and remember your worth is not dictated by expectations of

society, but on your beliefs. For some, the holidays can bring on temporary depression, but for some its

chronic. If you, or someone you know is struggling with depression the links below can help guide you

to the next step on getting help. For more information, call us at: 812-663-1139

www.nami.org 800-950-NAMI

Text “NAMI” TO 741741

Suicidepreventionlifeline.org 800-273-talk