Christmas is such a wonderful holiday filled with love, joy, and family. But when it is over, some people experience a let down, a sort of depression that can taint the few days following Christmas. Some call it the after-holiday blues, or also known as the post-holiday depression.
There is such a euphoric feeling during the holiday season. It can be both a hopeful and optimistic time. The preparations of this time of year cause us to be overwhelmed with details and such, blocking out other problems we may be facing allowing our woes to be put on hold for just a moment. But when the holiday is over and reality rears its ugly head, it could really be a depressing thought to some.
After holiday blues can bring on panic, depression, or a sense of uneasiness. I experienced this feeling one year after the holidays and it was very hard trying to understand what was happening to me mentally. I knew I was supposed to be happy—we were blessed with our health, we were together, and we had a nice Christmas with plenty of gifts under the tree. But it was getting back to life without all of the fuss and fanfare that was causing me to feel a sense of doom.
This season is a little different. There is some uncertainty in my life where my employment is concerned. But I also refuse to let that get to me. The holiday is about joy and love and peace. And that is what I want most in my life. Joy and love and peace. All year around.
How does one conquer the after-holiday blues? Well first, I suggest that you make a list of all the positive things in your life. I know for a fact that when you visually see the good things that are happening in your life, you will feel better about your outlook. You may also want to think about creating a vision board, which also gives you a visualization of what you want your life to be. Some say that if you see it, you will be it. Thinking positively makes for good therapy.
Working on your goals and coming up with real solutions for the problems you may be facing may also relieve stress. Instead of pushing back the quandary, confront it head on. There is a solution for almost everything. And there is no problem that is too big that you cannot tackle.
Talking with a friend or loved one may help too. Sometimes just letting out our frustrations is enough to help your current situation.
We have to conquer some things in our life good , bad, or indifferent. The holidays can be a happy time, but there is no reason why we can’t be happy during the rest of the year. Enjoy your life before, during, and after the holidays.
Oh my! Someone has came through with some light..its especially important that we as human beings understand that we battle depression all year long..its sometimes silent,and often supressed,written off as something else.. Over 3 million people suffer from clinical depression and out of that 3 million. About 8 percent blacks suffer from it and remain without diagnoses or treatment..So after holiday blues are linked to those cases..The best way I deal with post Holiday blues is with a praising spirit and faithfulness in Gods word to heal and comfort..then I find myself like you evaluating all the blessings in my life..and that gratitude turns into gratefulness,Thanks again for shining your light..
Thank you for reading. And depression runs in my family on both my mother and my father's side so it's something I watch out for.
I think this excerpt for your post is something we all struggle with…
Working on your goals and coming up with real solutions for the problems you may be facing may also relieve stress. Instead of pushing back the quandary, confront it head on. There is a solution for almost everything. And there is no problem that is too big that you cannot tackle.
The Holi-Daze can be a very stressful time for everyone, however the optimism a new year brings allows us to re-focus our energy on tackling those very issues we all have!
Irma Bombeck once wrote, “There is nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child.”
It seems as I grow older, the post holiday blues get worse. I often feel I am missing something during Christmas. Life is so hectic right up to Christmas Day and I often have to work the day after, I don’t feel like I get to enjoy the holidays much at all. So the sense that I’ve missed out is even greater when it is over. Thank you for your blog – at least I know I am not alone – and for reminding me to do somethig about it!