How do you keep from getting depressed during the holidays?

Question

I take Zoloft for depression, but lately I have to draaaag myself around. I go to the doctor today, and I am sure he will prescribe something else, like xanax, because I, conversely, get so stressed out and manic I tire myself out. Why do holidays do this?:) thanks to all who try to help.

Answer 1

Holidays are always hard for me, too. My parents both died when I was young, and everyone's family times always remind me of what I miss. Rather than allowing myself to be jealous, I try to focus on being grateful for the blessings I do have and the great friends I am lucky enough to have made.
If you start feeling sorry for your self, make yourself count your blessings; think about how much worse some other people have it what what you do.

What I also do that makes me feel better is try to do as much for others as I can, both in big and small ways.
For example, I am involved in a project making crocheted baby blankets for a pregnancy center. I also gather up and donate books for our local library to sell to fund their projects. I donate money to other chairities that I also believe in. I also spoil my loved ones, friends, co-workers and neighbors rotten!

For me, the more I do for other people, the better I feel and in some way I think it honors the memory of those I love(d) too.

About a years worth of therapy and Zoloft have helped me work through a lot of my feelings and deal with things in a healthier way. Deciding that you want to feel better and looking for ways to improve things; I know you will find ways to do it. Just make it your goal and you'll get there :-)

Have a good holiday, stay busy, and do more for others. You'll feel better, and if I was there I would give you a smile and a hug right now :-)

Answer 2

yes, stay busy, but do stuff that makes u happy. I have been depressed most of my life (sounds bad huh?) some was brought on by life, but other part is chemical.

I found a hobby - I scrapbook. I enjoy it very much. When I feel myself getting in a slump I scrap. No, u do not have to b good at it. You just have to enjoy it.
Another, is something stressing u out? STRESS is a biggie.
Some people lost loved ones and the holidays were special, but now they feel like punishment and agony to go through.
Some get stressed over decorating, shopping, cooking, who's family to share it with, working while others are going to Holiday dinners and parties.
Some because they do not have someone special to share it with.

What could yours be?
It may not b anything close to what I listed. they r just examples.

OH< AND WINTER ITSELF IS DEPRESSING. i cannot tell u where i heard it, but most holidays r in the winter so we can bear the winter months. Makes sense to me.

Answer 3

Give...yourself! Go to a shelter and feed the homeless, or play with stray cats and dogs or a nursing home and visit and read to the elderly. Ask the staff which residence would benefit most likely one that has had NO visitors or family. Go to church, join a choir and sing carols thru out the neighborhood...there's so much to be done, If all else fails...see your DOC to be put on antidepressants which really is not necessary if you have a strong enough will power to do some of the above mentioned. It'll keep you entertained for hours and days to come!

Answer 4

Stay around people. Your family and friends. Go shopping for simple things with a friend. Listen to upbeat Xmas music. There is a song the goes "What do the Lonely do at Xmas", and it beyond depresses me.Xmas is not a time to be by yourself. Also, there is church. You can also go to Nursing homes and talk to the elderly, because you can not imagine how many families do not visit their folks. DO NOT ISOLATE, that is the worse thing you can do, involve others in your life. Reach out and talk about your fears to a person who care about you. Best of luck!!!!

Answer 5

The holidays dig up a lot of deep emotions within us. We have unreal expectations of what the holidays should entail and we tend to become depressed if our own experiences don't match up. I say, keep busy. Work on your projects. Concentrate on helping others less fortunate. That would be some of the ways I would suggest. Take care.

Answer 6

I have a problem with depression and am on prescript too. I try not to compare this Christmas to "the Christmas of 1968" or what ever. Each one is different. I try not to get my expectations too high. Nothing has to be perfect. Also, I know it sounds trite, but think about the good things you have.... like that song from "White Christmas" "When you are worried and you can't sleep, just count your blessings in stead of sheep ....." From experience, it works.

Answer 7

If your spending the holidays with family and friends, you need to forget about the money factor and focus on what the holiday is about. Enjoy your family and such.
Christmas to me is all about
1. good friends.
2. good food
3. good family
stick with this motto and you'll start to love the holidays.

The holidays are what we make of it, if you want to have good holidays you will, if you think you are going to be depressed, you will. Take control!

Answer 8

The holidays make me feel like that also.
I keep myself very busy, crafting, baking, working full time and rewarding myself for getting tasks completed.
I believe it's helpful to figure out why your depressed, could it be not enough money, away from family, bad experience...
Hope this helps.

Answer 9

A holiday for everyone else is just another day to me. Nothing special. The only holiday I used to celebrate was my own birthday. I'm just as important as anyone else.

Answer 10

i imagine this kind of large style of human beings get so depressed over the vacation season because of quite a few causes. yet to me, one reason that many human beings get so depressed is by way of the indisputable fact that perchance they experience exceeded over both through relations or through acquaintances in the course of the vacation season.