Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and happiness. But not everyone feels happy at Christmas. Special Holidays like Christmas can make depression even harder to bear.

These are all things that can make you feel worse and are likely to come to the forefront at Christmas time:

• Family tensions
• Loneliness
• Isolation
• Money worries

The social aspect of Christmas can also be difficult for those with depression.

• Invitations to parties
• Catching up with family and friends
• Attending work functions

These may be the last thing you feel like doing when just functioning day to day is a struggle.

What can you do if you feel depressed at Christmas?

• Don’t expect everything to be perfect because it is Christmas, what you see on TV and in movies is not real life.
• Set boundaries, on money spent, gifts given or functions attended, whatever makes you feel less stressed.
• Even though you might not feel like celebrating, don’t isolate yourself from people who care about you.
• Do some nice things for you, not just for others.

If you feel like you need to talk to someone about how you are feeling

• Find a counsellor
• Call Samaritans 13 52 47 
• Call Lifeline 13 11 14
• Contact your church’s pastor or priest

If your depression is serious seek help from your G.P. or a mental health professional as soon as possible for treatment for depression.

If you feel that you need extra support this Christmas and would like to speak with a Perth depression counsellior, please book an appointment online or contact us today.

Article Title: Depression at Christmas
Article By: Vision Counselling and Psychology, Perth Western Australia
Web Address: www.visioncounselling.com.au
Published: 04/12/2014

 

Williams, R. (2010), “Why people get depressed at Christmas”, (Psychology Today, Available: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wired-success/201011/why-people-get-depressed-christmas (Accessed: 2014, September 18).

Worth, T., “Tips for Avoiding Holiday Depression Triggers” (Health), Available: https://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20550695,00.html (Accessed: 2014, September 18).

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