Experts say that Christmas time is the most likely time of the year to experience depression. They claim that the suicide rate is higher during December and early January than any other month and we need to understand that Christmas depression should be taken quite seriously.
Depression right after Christmas day can be triggered by a multitude of things, such as losses, failures, finances, and loneliness as these elements are exacerbated this time of year. People who have had death in the family or have experienced divorce or the loss of a child are more prone to depression, especially during any holiday season.
It can be especially difficult to cope with a Christmas depression because everyone else seems so joyous, and so for you to reach out feels more awkward. We don't want to bring down those around us, we don't want to feel "different" or alienate ourselves, and we don't want to draw attention to ourselves either. We tend to disassociate ourselves from our own feelings and ask ourselves self defeating questions. We wonder what's wrong with ourselves and why we can barely drag ourselves out of bed and become functional human beings. On top of our feeling sad and dysfunctional, we feel out of place everywhere and somehow cannot validate our feelings.
Not all holiday depression has anything to do with loss or failure or death, or even anything obvious. Sometimes people tend to just get depressed around the holidays. Yet those without an obvious “reason” feel that they really shouldn't be depressed and are least likely to reach out for help. It’s as though people who have experienced trauma in their life have more of a “right” to experience holiday depression than those who appear to have everything that could need or want. If you are a Christ Follower you become so critical of yourself and think, “I’m happy to celebrate the birth of Jesus, so why do I feel this way?”
The onset of Christmas depression can sneak up on you in numerous forms. You may simply start to feel more tired than normal or start sleeping through the alarm. You may have procrastinated on holiday shopping, even when those events that require your participation are only a few days away. You may start to feel randomly irritable, or snap at people without provocation. You may start to feel disconnected with the world and withdraw from those around you, even children. These are all signs that you are experiencing at least some form of holiday depression, and warning signs that you may need help in dealing with whatever is making you feel this way.
If you are alone at this Christmas season and you realize that you are coming down with holiday depression, reach out to someone by phone, whether it is a friend, a relative, or a professional, just call someone. This is so important. There is nothing to be ashamed of and there are plenty of people willing and able to assist you. A bad moment (even a really long one that last several weeks) does not have to ruin a future. Unfortunately people who find themselves depressed and do nothing about it are prone to staying depressed, maybe for the entire winter or even consider checking out on life. Living in depression can interfere with job performance, friendships, romantic relationships, parenting ability, self care, and even the ability to take care of the dog or cat. It can lead to losses of very important things if the depression becomes serious enough.
I know about this as I have experienced it in the past, so I encourage you to know the signs and do something about them by reaching out. If you see someone else depressed this season, you should reach out to them. Just let them know you care and offer suggestions for things to do to keep them away from depression. Your friends need you and it’s not for money or just a passing, “Merry Christmas”.
Even if you know first hand that you are loved by the Creator, do not feel ashamed that you are having these feelings. They are real ! So one way to get you through this season of your life is to go help at homeless shelter or food kitchen. You will not feel alone when you see the appreciation on the faces of many who do not know that they have any hope. It is a great way to get through depressing times this Christmas!
Particularly this Christmas Season demonstrate your caring!
