Depression over the Holidays is, unfortunately, a reality for a majority of those struggling with their mental health and the toll and isolation the Holidays can bring. The Holiday Season is typically seen as a time of joy and cheer, and while that is true to some extent, it can also be a very stressful time financially, emotionally, and physically. With the right tools and mental health experts, you can ensure you are at your mental health fitness peak entering the Holiday season this year.

How to Avoid Holiday Depression?

This Holiday season has been difficult for so many, with feelings of sadness, loneliness, and depression affecting millions. Finding ways to cope with Holiday stress can be challenging, but there are strategies that can help reduce the symptoms of depression and bring more joy into your life. One way to combat stress and anxiety is through deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing can help relax the mind and body and increase feelings of well-being.

After challenges the past years have taken on many, it’s safe to say that feeling depressed during the Holidays is a high possibility for those struggling already. Some people may be prone to depression during the Holiday Season as they could be grieving from lost loved ones, feeling alone, or feeling financially unstable. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), almost half of all women (44 percent) and a third of men (31 percent) reported an increase in stress around the Holidays.

Here are some simple ways you can try to avoid depression this Holiday Season.

• Prioritize what is important to you
• Let go of unrealistic holiday expectations
• Plan ahead to avoid unnecessary stress
• Don’t overextend yourself, Relax!
• Exercise
• Know and stick with your Mental Health treatment plan

How long does Holiday Depression last?

Here are ways to make sure you are staying on top of your mental health and keep you from sliding further into the dark hole that is depression.

• Keep up with your medication! Don’t stop taking it now. Staying true to your treatment plan is crucial during this time.
• Talk Therapy is a great way to talk through your symptoms and receive guidance from a mental health professional during this stressful time.
• Don’t isolate! Call a friend when you feel overwhelmed.
• Make time for yourself! Self-care is the best way to keep yourself feeling good!

Take the time to relax and take care of yourself – your mental health matters! If you are feeling overwhelmed, speak to a mental health professional for advice on how to manage feelings of sadness or depression. From deep breathing exercises to exploring alternative treatments like TMS therapy, there are ways to make the most of this holiday season even when faced with mental health issues.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is another common problem during the winter months with symptoms including feeling sad or unmotivated. One way of managing these SAD side effects is through light therapy where a bright artificial light is used to imitate natural daylight, which has been found to improve mood and energy levels. TMS therapy is another option that can help reduce symptoms of depression by stimulating the nerves in the brain with magnetic pulses.

How many people get depression during the Holidays?

Knowing and understanding your symptoms and diagnosis can greatly impact your ability to maneuver the holiday season and face it head-on. Get a unique mental health plan that works for you, and stick with it during this time. Staying on top of your symptoms can help your depression from spiraling further and help you remain positive this year. One survey by the American Psychological Association uncovered some interesting data about the holiday blues:

• While the majority of people in the survey reported feelings of happiness, love, and high spirits over the holidays, those emotions were often accompanied by feelings of fatigue, stress, irritability, bloating, and sadness.
• Thirty-eight percent of people surveyed said their stress levels increased during the holiday season. Participants listed the top stressors: lack of time, lack of money, commercialism, the pressures of gift-giving, and family gatherings.
• Surprisingly, 56 percent of respondents reported they experienced the most amount of stress at work. Only 29 percent experienced greater amounts of stress at home.

Several factors could contribute to why depression spikes for different individuals during the Holiday Season, leaving many feeling isolated, alone, and incapable of providing a Holiday worthwhile financially and emotionally. It is no secret that suicide rates tend to rise during the Holiday Season. It is important to be able to understand and recognize depression in yourself and your loved ones so you know how to get help.

How to deal with Holiday depression?

Understanding how depression affects different areas of the brain is also important in order to develop effective treatment strategies. Recent research has found that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation TMS may be a viable option for treating depression by targeting certain areas of the brain associated with mental health. TMS involves subjecting areas of the brain to a magnetic pulse which can help disrupt seasonal patterns and reduce stress levels.

It works by stimulating the parts of your brain that have become sluggish or inactive and only takes 45 minutes of your day for you to complete. Most patients begin seeing results after the second week, but you could start feeling better right away. TMS Therapy is also used to augment certain medications such as antidepressants or can be used on its own to avoid certain side effects that antidepressant medications may have such as drowsiness.

It’s not unusual to feel down during the Holiday Season, but there are ways to manage depression and anxiety, even when faced with increased stress levels and other mental health issues. Taking steps like speaking to a professional and exploring treatments such as TMS therapy can help reduce the symptoms of depression and bring more joy into your life.

How to beat depression over the holiday season?

When it comes to treating depression, speaking with a mental health professional is always recommended. They can provide advice on how to cope when you feel sad or overwhelmed during the Holiday Season and recommend specific therapies and treatments for anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

The staff and mental health professionals at Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry understand how the Holiday Season can affect your mental health and we can help! With locations all over Texas and California, we make it easy to book an appointment and find an office near you. Your optimum mental health is the greatest gift you could ever give yourself.

Getting through a difficult holiday season is possible. With the right strategies and support, you can find ways to cope and even enjoy the festive period. Remember to take time for yourself, reach out and call us at  (888) 503-1549 if you need help and be kind to your mind. We are here for you. Happy Holidays!