For many after the holidays, this time brings relief to get back to a normal routine and business as usual. For many though, the holidays bring significant physical, emotional and financial demands. According to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 64% of people report being affected by holiday depression, triggered by these increased demands.
Common symptoms include a general feeling of sadness and loneliness that typically lasts for a short period of time, but may last longer and develop into different types of depression.
Symptoms may include a lingering depression, or:
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Severe fatigue or loss of energy
Weight or appetite changes, either eating too much or not enough
Agitation, irritability, or anxiety
Feelings of hopelessness and uselessness
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to recognize them and understand that it is only temporary. It is okay to admit if you are depressed.
It is also important to:
Get plenty of sleep. A restful night's sleep is so important to your brain health. Just as every other part of your body needs rest when overused, so does your brain.
Take care of yourself. After overindulging during the holiday as many of us do, post-holidays are a time to reestablish your diet and make healthy choices. Minimize sugar and processed food from your diet. This is also an excellent time to establish an exercise plan.
Stop and take a breath. After the holiday bustle, it is important to establish more of a work/ home balance and prioritize events in your life. Don’t feel you have to say yes to every invitation.
Set boundaries. I feel it is so important to surround yourself with positive, supportive people. Your circle should clap the loudest for you.
Share memories. Reminisce of the holiday and holidays past. Enjoy and laugh at the memories made over the years.
Reach out for help. At Statera, we offer a wide variety of services to address your mental health needs including behavioral health nurse practitioner, primary care, mental health counseling, yoga, reflexology, nutrition counseling, life coaching and acupuncture. You can also schedule a free 20-minute consultation to see what services are right for you.
~Katherine Gansen ARNP
Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner at Statera
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