If you are dealing with depression, do you find that your depression gets worse during the holidays?

Question

I have been dealing with depression for a year or so, I am seeing a therapist, I am taking meds, I am doing everything I am supposed to be doing, but as the holidays get closer, I find that I sometimes dont even have the will to do anything. Whenever I see a xmas ad on TV I am brought to tears. How do you deal with Seasonal Depression?

I really can't spend time with my family, they really dont speak to me anymore.
I have no girlfriend now, we broke up last year, and I have lost most of my friends because of the depression.
So if you have any suggestions other than those I would be more than greatful to hear them. Thank you.

Answer 1

yes i find that as soon as Fall gets closer i start to feel very different and find myself saying the holidays are coming next, u can get thru it just for a couple of months then the sun will start shining again and it will get better. but it's so hard for some of us just to get thru those winter months. for me it's a time when family and friends get together and enjoy each other and express their love for one another. unfortunately, my parents and grandparents have all passed away and i live away from my other relatives so this time is especially hard. it seems that the two friends that i do have sometimes may not want to spend as much time with me cause they know i get the "blahs" during this time. sometimes u can't let urself think that way cause u know it's ur depressed mood that causes u to see things differently. i'm currently on disability which has helped me a great deal cause there are many days that i can't function properly and can not hold down a steady job. this has lead to isolation though cause i don't have a car currently so i spend allmost everyday in the house alone and this can cause the depression to get worse. what i find that helps is at least making contact with someone everyday whether it's on the phone or trying to get out of the house to run some errands. it's true that the more sunlight that shines into ur eyes helps decrease depression. i've had a doctor tell me before to lay in a tanning bed for the ultraviolet light with extra sun screen, but that costs money and unfortunately can cause skincancer if ur not careful. i also find that if i can at least go to church or watch spirital programs on tv that helps me get through it knowing that God will not place anything on u that u cannot bear. i'm not sure how spiritual u r. and believe it or not, i find that getting on here and responding to some people's questions has helped me alot cause if i can help someone with something due to something i've gone thru myself then that makes me feel better. hope i've helped u some. Good Luck and God Bless:)

Answer 2

I really understand what your going through because I was diagnosed with bipolar and other mental disorders and yes for me my depression gets alittle worse over the holidays as well. You might think about doing some volunteer work at a shelter or something like that. It might make you feel good about yourself knowing that your helping others and you'll be so busy that the time will just fly by. I hope you all the best And please believe me when I say it does get better. Hang in there. God Bless.

Answer 3

I have suffered from depression for over 30 years. Every year when we change the clocks my depression gets worse. I peak during the Holiday season ( almost useless) and by March 1, my depression lifts a little. Make sure you get as much sun as possible and try to accomplish very small tasks. Do not allow yourself to get overwhelmed. Clean your car off when it snows (I live in the Northeast). Try to kep your energy level up by eating well. This is not a cakewalk. It is a difficult time for me but does get easier as over the years I have found small changes have a big effect. I wish you well.
Just remember "this too shall pass".

Answer 4

I've been suffering from depression most of my life. I'm finally getting help that I've needed all along, but yes I do seem to get worse around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I never had any good family holidays. My parents get along but my mother wasn't the most loving person when it came to us kids. It makes me more depressed to drive or walk pass a place that has their decorations up. It doesn't help that my family fights when ever we all get together.

The way I think about it is that this will be over soon so don't worry about it.

Answer 5

I could suggest you to consult with a physician as quickly as viable because its convenient to get well from a melancholy within the early levels. Your concious brain will haven't any clue at the cause for the melancholy and thats how it's regularly. We as therapists additionally don't probe into your rationale like in different circumstances because that may depress you extra. Look under to the explanations and forms of melancholy after which zoom into your stipulations to peer whether or not they fit them. If sure, then you've melancholy and must get dealt with instantly. We establish two forms of melancholy one million. MInor Depression - Average lack of urge for food - Loss of vigour - Loss of motivation The character maintains to do every day routine and isn't pathological. two. Major melancholy - Pervades each and every unmarried element of lifestyles and character does now not paintings in any respect. The character having this hassle could also be conscious of this. There are most likely five signs. If any five of that is enjoy for greater than two weeks you're having melancholy one million.Depressed temper day by day two. Diminished curiosity in any endeavor whatsover three. Significant weight fluctuations with none weight loss diet four. Insomnia or Hypersomnia (Loss of Sleep) five. If you exchange common restlessness to bodily endeavor like cleansing cabinets regularly, shaking hand in a rhythmic type and so on 6. Severe fatigue or loss in vigour 7. Huge guilt and ideas of burden on society eight. Diminished potential to take choices nine. Suicidal ideas and makes an attempt Reasons for this may also be one million.Stress two. Traumatic parties like demise three. Long ailment four. Excessive meditation five. Alcohol and drug abuse 6. Hormonal imbalances 7. Chronic styles of poor pondering

Answer 6

No, I don't have seasonal depression. I intently ignore commercial holidays and choose not to participate. I don't know if that helps the holiday blues, but I don't get them anymore. I can have Christmas whenever I want to...along with any other holiday. I've taken control of my own "holidays" and celebrate when it's a good time for me. I don't like pandering to the dollar bill so I solved that problem. I also found that helping others at "holiday" time is a great healer. Maybe that will help you too. Godloveya.

Answer 7

i get that way too sometimes. I don't cry about it but i do get depressed about the holidays because i don't have enough money to buy gifts, the days are shorter, i realize that time goes so fast and i feel like i haven't done anything with my life, more traffic and everyone is in a hurry. i try to think about the good things in life and try to remember the true meaning of christmas. I think about enjoying the time with my family.

Answer 8

This is completely normal. Do you think it's so coincidental that the majority of suicides happen around the holidays?
Be with your loved ones. Friends, Family, Significant other.
Just surrond yourself with people that make you happy and try to enjoy and take part in the holiday spirit

Answer 9

no, mine seems to be at a constant level most of the time. What helps me most is walking everyday for at least 30 min.

good luck

Answer 10

There is some useful advice here.