Traditionally we associate Christmas with a time of happiness, where we are all obliged to feel happy and enjoy the festivities. But for some people it is quite the opposite and they cannot help feeling sad during the supposedly happiest time of the year. If when the holidays arrive you feel apathy and do not feel like doing anything, even if you feel obliged to be in a good mood … you may be going through what is known colloquially as “christmas depression “.
What is depression
Depression is a mood disorder that causes dejection, grief, apathy and mental suffering to people who suffer from it. It is a serious disease that must be treated by specialists. Although in some cases it can be caused by an adverse event, in other cases it appears without apparent cause, it is what is known as endogenous depression.
The christmas depression It can affect people of any age, although it tends to be more common when they reach adulthood. It is common for it to appear without any apparent cause, except for the time of year. Is a stationary-type depression, associated with a specific time or season of the year. However, it can become very serious if it is not treated properly.
Why we decay at Christmas
Although the usual thing for most people is to enjoy a happy Christmas in the company of their loved ones, for other people Christmas may not be all that special you might expect.
The christmas stress it tends to be a fairly common trigger. The rush to find the perfect gift, visits to crowded malls, traffic jams that increase at this time of year, overspending on these dates, or even leaving everything to the last minute, can cause discomfort and anxiety.
But the main factor is miss our loved ones. Whether they are far from us, or no longer, the feelings that their loss or absence provoke in us radically collide with the ideals of joy, happiness, contentment, love and companionship that human beings associate with Christmas.
Causes
Christmas can be a source of stress, frustration and melancholy. Although the Christmas that marketing and the media “sell” us is surrounded by happy scenes, the reality is not always so beautiful and so happy. For some people, certain factors can trigger a depressive state totally opposite to that idealized Christmas:
- Shopping, organizing meals and events, social obligations, the feeling of having to adopt an eternal smile, etc. can cause stress in adults.
- The end of the year and the entry into a new year mean, for some people, having to take stock of the objectives achieved, which could make us realize that we do not always achieve everything we want.
- When there are loved ones who are gone, it is normal to miss them on these family reunion dates, even if the mourning is no longer recent.
- Christmas is the time of the least daylight of the year, with the longest nights and the coldest and rainiest weather, all of which negatively affect our mood.
- For those who feel melancholy, the contrast with the almost obligatory feeling of happiness that is associated with Christmas can generate frustration and cause just the opposite effect: the discomfort intensifies.
Symptoms
The symptoms of any depressive episode are:
- Tiredness, apathy, reluctance and loss of vitality.
- Depressed mood or mood, constantly, for most of the day and most days.
- Extreme irritability
- Negative, self-pitying, or self-destructive thoughts.
Besides, the christmas depression you may have these symptoms:
- Loss of interest or even dislike for everything related to Christmas.
- Feeling upset or unhappy when coming into contact with everything related to Christmas such as listening to Christmas carols or seeing Christmas decorations.
- Apathy for activities related to Christmas festivities.
- Isolation and little interest in the company of other people.
Tips to prevent it
Although the christmas sadness can develop into an emotional disorder or worsen an existing depressive disorder, in the vast majority of cases it is a significant but temporary emotional downturn.
However, we must never underestimate any possible depressive state. It is best to fight it with a positive and realistic attitude. If our Christmas does not resemble the ideal, we should not feel obliged to achieve it because it is not so. We can also adopt certain behavioral guidelines that help us prevent emotional downturn on these dates:
- Organize with time and not leave all the preparations for the end or take care of everything alone. Sometimes we must consider asking others for help. Delegate or share with family and friends those activities that do not make you feel good, such as organizing events, buying gifts, decorating the house or preparing meals.
- It does not matter that everything is not perfect. It is essential to relax and enjoy quality time during our rest days. A good tip is dedicate time to ourselves to enjoy the things that make us especially excited.
- Analyze your thoughts and modify them for others more positive and / or realistic if necessary. Not everyone has to be happy at Christmas, problems will not disappear by themselves, but the truth is that, despite all this, we can be with loved ones and enjoy good times.
- If you are far from your loved ones, look for company and be more active than usual. Sometimes a simple walk in the fresh air can go a long way in improving our mood.
- When a loved one is away, it is normal to miss him and feel sad about his absence or because of the happy memories together that come to mind at this time. Let the sadness flow, but don’t indulge in it. It is best to search new activities and traditions that you do not associate that person.
Lastly, it is important not forcing ourselves to do things that make us feel bad. There is always a good excuse to run away from a company dinner and we are not obliged to attend all the Christmas commitments that occur on these dates. Try to get out of the house and enjoy some good times with family and friends, but don’t feel compelled to do so just because they are dates on the calendar.
Nobody prevents us from innovating, creating, transforming or dispensing with any of the traditions that harm us. We don’t have to please others at the cost of our emotional stability. And if, despite everything, the discomfort persists or is too intense, it is best to consult a specialist.
Images | iStock / gpointstudio / Kerkez
