The Christmas holiday season is upon us and so is the stress of emotionally performing, often bringing on depression. The season of socializing, spending and receiving can become a bit too much for most people. For some, the holiday’s stir memories of the past they wish they had forgotten or demands of the present they feel they cannot fulfill. What is often overlooked, at this time of the year is something we all (to some degree) experience and respond to: The physical change in seasons. There seems to be more of a consensus nationally that the percentage of depression cases reported this time of year does not necessarily increase/decrease statistically. However, I would argue that physical/natural manifestations play a larger role in how our bodies respond emotionally.
Change in seasons
Longer nights and shorter days play a significant part in how depression manifests physically/emotionally inside our bodies. Less exposure to sunlight and, for some, colder cooler weather can bring on physical responses that intensify as the seasons naturally change. The more we’re indoors the less our bodies are able to produce naturally vitamin D through exposure to sunlight. Endorphins, naturally produced through physical activity, add to our “feel good” hormone bank account. Once that bank account becomes depleted we physically feel depressed. Physical depression can also lead to overeating, abusing drugs and alcohol, as well as insomnia.
Emotional stirring
On top of all the physical/emotional responses come the anticipated expectations of the holidays as they begin to set in, recalling and stirring up our past experiences/memories. It is the “stirring” up that usually creates the heightened awareness of what we emotionally encounter, adding to our state of mind. The added pressure to perform financially, emotionally and socially can also cause our mental health to go on overload. We can add a mountain of expectations onto our plate that soon becomes overwhelming, to say the least. Our emotions can seem to run higher than what we’d like to think about, especially when we’re spending money we do not have or socializing with people we normally do not encounter on a regular basis, like relatives and social acquaintances we see only once a year.
So how do you avoid the “stirring-up” and, what do you do if you begin to experience the onset of depression overwhelming you? First, do not ignore it. Depression is a physical manifestation that you do not just “snap out” of or get over, quickly. Learn to recognize it as a physical condition just as you would treat a cold, flu or virus, and look for ways you can naturally treat it through balancing your life.
Simple changes = Big results
Physical exercise: Set at least 15 minutes aside a day (preferably 30) to exercise. Even if you simply walk or run in place, lift some hand held weights or practice stretch exercises, doing something that stimulates your endorphins will make a tremendous difference over time.
Nutrition: Fast food, junk food, and preservatives deplete you emotionally. The rise and fall of blood sugar, as well as the guilt from over eating, will send you emotionally on a roller coaster ride. Take time to eat healthier choices especially during the holidays.
Drugs and alcohol: Avoid them altogether. Remember this: Food is a drug; either a good drug or a bad drug. Alcohol has no nutritional value (don’t believe the myths about wine) and consuming it only heightens depression.
Finances: Too often, especially as parents, we feel the burden of financially performing for our loved ones. Instead of spending money (you might not have), why not donate your time to someone in need as your gift to someone you love? Teach your kids to focus on “giving” something of themselves versus “receiving” something from everyone else. Why not bake some home made bread for a person who has no family or is alone this Christmas season and personally deliver them along with a note of encouragement? “Spend” time with someone who is alone, hurting or without a family. Give the gift of time this Christmas season to those in your world and you will be amazed at how priceless your gift is to them.
Resources: If you or a person you know is suffering from depression seek help. There are many forms of medication that can relieve some of the onset of symptoms along with therapy. Take the first step to get the help you need. Check with your local faith community, ask a close friend or relative for help, or search for resources on the Internet. Sometimes, doing something as simple as volunteering to help others in need takes your mind off your own problems and brings greater insight to the world around you, helping you to feel better just by doing something positive.
Past statistics show that almost 10% of the items purchased during the “black Friday” rush get returned to the store before they are gifted, largely due to impulse buying and buyer’s remorse. What was astounding to me was this: The gifts had not even been exchanged, but returned before they were given. That is a particularly telling statistic, isn’t it? We’re spending what we do not have as we attempt filling something emotionally we cannot fill. When we put too much pressure on ourselves, we suffer the consequences emotionally, physically and spiritually.
Quick Tips for Wellness: Holiday depression does not have to control your life. Take a step of faith today and find the answer to help relieve your depression, now. It could be the best gift you give yourself this Christmas season.
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