We often assume that everyone feels positive around this time of year. Good food, festive lights and time off education/work creates the perfect environment to feel joyous, regardless of whether or not you celebrate Christmas. However, as with everything in life, we could be experiencing issues that add stress or sadness to this time. Through openly discussing these, we can start to break the stigma surrounding needing help this holiday season.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
One of the least discussed mental illness is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The NHS describes SAD as depression that operates in a seasonal wave. This is often called “winter depression” because it happens most frequently in the winter, and the symptoms of it include:
Constant low mood.
A lack of interest in 'normal' activities.
Changes to normal sleep patterns.
Feeling irritable.
A lot of people experiencing SAD often feel guilty, due to the belief that being sad during Christmas means that they are being ungrateful. However, if you think that you're experiencing SAD then you are not alone, with potentially as many as 1/3 of people in the UK experiencing it.
If you're experiencing SAD, then consider:
Getting as much sunlight as possible and exercising.
Buying and using a lightbox to stimulate sunlight exposure.
Contacting your GP if it becomes disruptive to your life, and you are considering therapy or antidepressants.
if you think that you're experiencing SAD then you are not alone
Financial Stress
If you celebrate Christmas, then your bank account can suffer for it. During Christmas last year, the projected average amount that people spent was £512. This number is likely to increase this year due to inflation and the current socio-economic crisis. If this is causing extra stress during this time, then here are some tips on how to save money this Christmas:
Don't feel compelled to buy gifts for everyone you know - consider just buying gifts for close friends and family.
Be aware of potential issues with buying gift cards (retailers going bust, expiry dates etc.)
Plan your budget and Christmas gift list in advance in order to avoid impulse buying.
Grief
Experiencing the death of a loved one is difficult throughout the year, but holidays like birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas can heighten these feelings of grief. Here are some tips on how to deal with it:
Take a break from social media and Christmas films if they are worsening your feelings.
Watch out for drinking or using drugs to cope with negative emotions, and seek help if it is becoming an issue.
Be kind to yourself and others, while being sensitive to the needs of those who may express grief in different ways.
holidays like birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas can heighten... feelings of grief
