Beat the Christmas Blues

During a recent blog surf, I read several posts by people dreading the holiday season. This time of year is especially hard for those suffering from depression and similar illnesses. With all the gaiety around, it only serves to contrast with the deep blue (or black) of depression.

I know. Some years have been bad for me as well. Luckily, recent years have been better for me. But, I remember. So, I thought to post some of my ideas for beating those blues – or at least keeping them at bay. I also want to ask for any ideas you may have. Have you done something in the past that helped you get past this difficult time? Please, share it here (in comments) and you may be helping someone else.

First, if you are severely depressed and cannot function at all, please get professionsl help. The following suggestions are more for those who have reached a certain level of managing their disease and can sense when a dark period is approaching. These suggestions are ways to nip that in the bud. Don’t give in, fight.

It is important you have a list of people that are understanding of your plight that you can call on to talk to. I do mean a list, because even the most understanding person simply cannot be available at all times. So, get your self a list. Find them in your hometown and online. The internet has opened up the world. There are a lot of us out here and we understand.

One of the things I used to do when the holiday season threatened to take me down was to bake cookies. I would then wrap them up in little “gift packages” of 3 or 4 cookies each. I used a pretty paper to wrap them and tied ribbons on to secure them. Then, I passed them out. I passed them out at work and wherever I saw someone who looked like they could use a boost. Sometimes, I got a smile in return. That smile helped.

It does not have to be cookies. Just doing something for others is a way to stay busy and to get out of your own head. It is not a cure by any means, but it does help.

Remember, to take good care of yourself. You need to eat nutritious meals every day. You need regular sleep. I know you don’t feel like it sometimes. But, it can help. If you cannot bring yourself to eat, drink a smoothie – at least you will get some nutrition inside you.

I found these two links as well. They provide fundamental and important tips.

10 ways to Overcome Depression and Those Winter Blues

Foods that Help Fight Depression

Please, anyone else with ideas, leave them in comments. My ideas may not work for everyone. We are all different. So, the more ideas we can collect, the better the chance that someone will find something useful…Thank you and please have a safe if not happy holiday season.