May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility.
–Mary Anne Radmacher
Wow is this a busy time of year, and this busyness can lead to overwhelm and even feelings of depression for some of us. For other people, we’re more sensitive to the shorter days, less sunlight and colder weather, which can lead to the winter blues and depression over the holidays. Other people might feel lonely or be grieving the loss of a loved one during the holiday season, and grief and depression symptoms may show up together. Finally, if you’re pregnant, postpartum or in perimenopause, hormones might also be influencing how you’re feeling and may lead to feelings of depression for some women as well.
Here’s what’s to come in this blog: symptoms of depression to look out for around the holidays, symptoms of depression to look out for during pregnancy, postpartum and perimenopause, and coping strategies to help with holiday depression. I hope some of this information is helpful to you!
Symptoms of depression to look out for around the holidays:
- Sleep changes
- Feelings of guilts
- Depressed mood
- Suicidal thoughts
- Decreased energy
- Restlessness/agitation
- Lowered concentration level
- Increase/decrease in appetite
- Loss of interest in things usually enjoyed
What else would you add here?
Symptoms of depression to look out for during pregnancy, postpartum and perimenopause:
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Exhausting
- Restlessness
- Trouble remembering things
- Sadness/frequent crying spells
- Trouble sleeping/sleeping too much
- Feeling disconnected from others
- Frequent feelings of anger and frustration
- Not being hungry or eating more than usual
What else would you add to this list?
Coping strategies to help with holiday depression:
- Talk to a therapist- individually or in group therapy
- Spend time outdoors- even if it’s cold outside it can still be helpful
- Spend time with loved ones- people you can truly be yourself around
- Talk to your doctor about doing a med eval and possibly starting medication
- Prioritize self-care and the things that fill you up and bring you joy
- Create a warm and cozy environment within you and around you
What else helps you when you’re struggling with your own holiday depression?
If you’re struggling right now, know that you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with holiday depression this time of year. If you could use more help and support right now, please reach out to your doctor or a therapist in your area. Know that I’m thinking of you and sending lots of love and compassion your way!
