Let’s talk about the month of December. A paradoxical state is created every year, while the streets are lined with bright lights and families reunite, others feel isolated and anxious in the darkness. December is said to be the most emotionally overwhelming time of the year. This spectrum of emotions range from happiness and cheer to stress and depression. The terms ‘holiday’ and ‘depression’ unfortunately fit like a glove with one another.
A few reasons for the ‘Holiday Blues’ include the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Due to shorter days and longer nights, our bodies receive less exposure to sunlight. As a result, hormonal levels of Melatonin, Serotonin are altered and the Circadian Rhythm of the body is affected. Automatically factors such as one’s sleeping schedule, mood and appetite are negatively modified.
Another reason is provided by Elizabeth Hertel, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) director, “This season often deepens anxiety, depression and feelings of grief or isolation, especially after everything we’ve experienced these past two years.”
The prolonged pandemic along with the Delta Variant on the rise has brought in new restrictions and worrisome feelings for people around the world. The exhaustion of dealing with this virus, simultaneously continuing one’s daily routine, dealing with loss and grief all year round gets piled up by the end of each year. This burden can make anyone feel lonely, out of place and it can even lead to clinical depression with suicidal thoughts during the holidays.
Thirdly, while for some people Christmas is a time of reuniting with their families, other’s may be reminded of the conflicts embedded within their relationships. Individuals are also reminded about the close one’s they may have lost during the year. The ongoing pandemic has also restricted many families from coming together at the end of this year. This intensifies feelings of helplessness, distress, anxiety and more often than not leads to homesickness.
Last but not least, it is a common practice for humans at the end of each year to look back on how they fared, the goals they accomplished and their expectations of several outcomes. We are hardwired to focus on the unfortunate circumstances, the losses, the negative results rather than the positive ones. This phenomenon, known as ‘Negative Bias’ dominates our mindsets at the end of every year and influences our thoughts. We begin to undervalue our accomplishments, disparage our yearly efforts and discredit the growth we have made in the past year because it was ‘not up to the expected mark’. Thereby, adding to the feelings of depression.
The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) reported that 64% struggling with diagnosed mental health conditions said their symptoms worsen during the holidays. Mental illness can affect anyone during any time of the year, even ‘the most wonderful time of the year’. We should actively remind people that having trouble embracing the holiday spirit is okay. We must not single such people out or ridicule them.
For the people who are feeling low, stressed or anxious here are some tips that may help you:
- Move your body, it may include walking around the house, cleaning, exercising, dancing or yoga. The smallest of physical activity can help elevate moods.
- Make a schedule, focus on rejuvenating, resting and resetting. Include healthy foods in your diet and indulge in the holiday treats as well.
- Set boundaries and remind yourself that it is okay to not attend to every celebration during the month of December.
- Write down your accomplishments, happy thoughts and positively memorable experiences of the year and go back to this list when you feel gloomy.
- Create a buddy system to have someone you can call when you feel down.
- Seek professional help, if you feel you need expert guidance to navigate through this holiday season.
We must remember that the true spirit of Christmas lies in ‘togetherness’. This year we have decided to share the gift of kindness and companionship, what have you decided to give?
– Urveez Kakalia & Ferangiz Hozdar.