Holiday Depression

[JaniceSW]

The stats say that there are a significant amount of people who become depressed around the holidays.  Suicide even increases.  I think many people in this category don't have close family or friends.  For me, it's more about winter and all that it brings such as decreasing hours of daylight and Michigan's extreme cold weather and snow.
 
What about you?  Does the holidays bring your spirits down rather than up?  How do you deal with it?  Do you know people who have few family members around and friends?  Please consider reaching out if you do. 

[vg7405]

A few years ago, I experienced a holiday-related depression. The feelings I had felt inescapable. But I always encourage those who are experiencing depression (especially during the holiday season) to reach out and speak to someone. It really does help; I know from personal experience.

[debidoo]

Yes I am struggling with being down for sure.  I am down to only having two grown sons and we are having issues because of my youngest son's girlfriend who has caused a division in even that small family group.  Worse yet a friend of their's got my older son fired & he helps me pay bills so now we have that to deal with......I would never commit suicide because you never know when life can change for the better in an instant but it is sure hard to remain upbeat. 

[countrygirl12]

Yes I am struggling with being down for sure.  I am down to only having two grown sons and we are having issues because of my youngest son's girlfriend who has caused a division in even that small family group.  Worse yet a friend of their's got my older son fired & he helps me pay bills so now we have that to deal with......I would never commit suicide because you never know when life can change for the better in an instant but it is sure hard to remain upbeat. 

Good to know you would not think about hurting yourself.  I remember you talking about the GF.  That is sad that it happened. But I think it does happen a lot. ;(

[ngorecki]

I keep getting depressed of and on. trying to snap out of it.

[gtdoss]

I think I remember being depressed around the holidays when I was a lot younger. I have general depression, but it would get so much worse during the holidays! But now that I am married and have two grown sons, I still have general depression (not near as severe as it was), but the holidays actually LIFT my spirits since it's all about family to me. 

[potluck6]

I don't get depressed but glad when it's over. Have to buy about 20 presents that's depressing the money I don't have to buy those. Buying toys and clothes for grand kids. Toy prices are ridiculous  try to but for under 15.00 a piece found a few good ones to about 10.00 each. Have to stay away from the hallmark channel it's depressing those happy go lucky damn *bleep* fools.

[gwilson31]

I get to feeling depressed but it's due to the winter time rather than holidays. (so much snow and ice,  plus it's dark by 5. PM)

[tjshorty]

I don't get depressed just disappointed.  Or I used to get disappointed with not being able to spend a lot of money on my kids for Christmas.  I realized later that I was making a bigger deal about it than my kids.  They really didn't care about gifts. 

[linderlizzie]

It's bittersweet with both sets of parents having been gone for so long now and my kids are grown up and out of the house. I guess we need to remember the reason for the season and be grateful for all we have.

It helps to help others too. You just have to get your mind off yourself.

I hope all you adorable FCers have a wonderful Christmas. Enjoy! 

[mrisha]

I too was just thinking about Christmas, but not depressed.  I think about the great Christmas's I had with my big family.  I do miss it.

[JaniceSW]

Let me just say to those who get particularly down over the season, and maybe winter too as I do, that starting to take an anti-depressive around October through March can help, making dates with about anyone you know to go out and have coffee or walk around a mall, starting a bit of exercise, or volunteering a couple hours every week will get you out of the house and feeling a bit better.  However, you have to start a few of these to get the benefit.  Be good to yourself and have a Peaceful Christmas Season.

[mrsmere]

I don't have that problem.  I don't care for the cold temps but realize there is nothing I can do about it.  When I start to feel down I pray, play music, go volunteer at the soup kitchen, etc.  This always helps me and I force myself to put a positive spin on everything. 

[nannycoe1]

I get crazy every year about this time, I always host the gathering for my side of the family and I worry a lot about getting the house clean enough and having enough food, etc. It always turns out okay but I still get overly stressed.

[ccandpam]

I use to get Depressed when Holiday Season came around. I lost my Daddy in July, 2016. The Holidays was his favorite time of year. Since then, I have snapped out of that Depression because the Holidays are about Family being together. Not having enough money for Gifts.