To all my friends with mental health issues, this is a reminder that you are not alone. If you’re feeling lonely or isolated during the holidays, there are plenty of ways to cope and enjoy yourself. So, even if it feels impossible, try these 5 ways to make the most of your holiday season.
Hopefully, these ideas will help!
Reach Out To Family And Friends
If you’re like most people, you probably spend a lot of time with your family during the holiday season. This can be either good or bad for people who are struggling with mental health issues; on the one hand, spending time with loved ones can be comforting for someone who is feeling depressed or anxious, but on the other hand, constant contact with others may seem overwhelming to someone unaccustomed to dealing with their emotions in an open way.
So, what should you do if this applies to you? Well, it’s important not to isolate yourself—remember that while some people might only go through intense feelings of depression at certain points in the year (like around Christmas), it is also more than possible to become depressed or anxious at any time. Therefore, it’s important not to neglect social support if you feel the need for it. Talk with your family about how you’re feeling, and see if they will accommodate your needs. For example, if depression is causing you to withdraw from others, let them know that you would appreciate more one-on-one time—they may be willing to set aside some special “couple” time so that you can also spend quality time with just one of your parents or siblings!
Get Creative
Perhaps you have been feeling so bogged down by depression or anxiety that the thought of doing anything fun seems impossible. If this is the case, know that it’s more than okay to look after yourself and give yourself a break from everyday life for a little while.
Whether it’s baking cookies, making a scrapbook of your holiday memories, or starting an Instagram account full of pictures from your family vacation, be sure that you set some time aside for creative activities. Doing things like these can help us to feel like we’ve taken control back over our lives—whether we’re scared to see strangers again (like when traveling) or simply having trouble motivating ourselves in our day-to-day lives.
Engage in Self-Care
Self-care is important during any part of the year, but many people neglect taking care of themselves when they feel depressed. Don’t fall into this trap! It might seem counterintuitive, but things like eating right and getting enough sleep are often the best ways to prevent depression from creeping back in while dealing with mental health issues. Try setting aside at least one day each week for nothing but relaxation; catch up on your favorite TV shows and movies, take a bubble bath or indulge in your favorite comfort foods. If you’re feeling too down to even leave the house sometimes, that’s OK—there are plenty of ways to practice self-care by yourself!
Keep Track of Your Symptoms
During the holidays it can be very tempting to ignore what we feel and go into “holiday mode,” but this is often a mistake. One way to prevent this is by keeping track of any and all depressive and/or anxious feelings so that you don’t forget about them when the holiday season comes to an end. It might sound boring, but keeping a journal can help remind you that you felt bad before Christmas as well and that these feelings won’t last forever! And if you’re just not a journal person, there are plenty of other ways to keep track of your mental health issues. For example, you might try keeping a log or chart on your smartphone that tracks your symptoms and whether they got better or worse over the course of time.
Skip Social Events if You Feel Overwhelmed
Holiday seasons can be extremely fun and exciting… but they can also be extremely exhausting for those with mental illness. If you begin to feel overwhelmed by all of the socialization during this time of year, don’t feel obligated to attend every party or gathering that comes up! Take some time for yourself by staying in one evening instead, watching TV at home, or catching up on sleep—whatever it takes to get an extra boost of energy.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
Perhaps the most important thing to remember during this time of year is that you are not alone. If you feel like these symptoms are simply too much for you, don’t hesitate to seek outside help. This might mean different things depending on what kind of mental illness you have—it could be therapy with a professional, medication from a doctor, or simply talking things over with close friends and family members. The most important thing is that you get the help that you need and deserve.
It’s understandable to feel anxious at this time of year, especially for those struggling with depression or other mental health issues. But remember: you are not alone. So again, these are just a few tips to help cope with mental illness during the holiday season. Don’t be afraid to try them out and, of course, if you feel that any of your symptoms have worsened over time, please seek professional help! Happiness is around the corner… it’s just a matter of perspective.