Many people feel a little down or sad during the holiday season. In most cases, these temporary feelings are not serious. But in others, they may be related to existing or new symptoms of clinical depression. If you’re seriously affected, you may need holiday depression treatment. However, there are often things you can do on your own to beat the holiday blues.
Reach out to our experienced staff at New Start Recovery to get the help and support you need during the holiday by calling [Direct].
Use Exercise to Keep the Holiday Blues at Bay
Regular exercise is important to your mental health throughout the year. This may be especially beneficial during the holidays. Researchers have linked a range of aerobic exercises to lower levels of depression. Examples of these exercises include:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Bicycling
- Jogging
You can also benefit from aerobic activities you might not think of as exercises. That includes things such as dancing and gardening.
Additional Physical Measures to Prevent Holiday Sadness
Other efforts to support physical wellness can also help boost your holiday mood. On the food front, try to stick to as healthy a diet as possible. You can do this by eating plenty of nutrient-rich foods. In addition, you can take steps to limit your consumption of nutrient-poor choices such as:
- Sodas
- Sweets
- Fast foods
Your level of food consumption also matters. During Thanksgiving and Christmas, overeating is common. However, when you overeat, you increase your risks for the onset of the holiday blues.
In addition, pay attention to your sleep habits. Lack of sleep can leave you feeling fatigued. In turn, fatigue can reinforce feelings of depression. By getting plenty of sleep, you can help avoid this possibility.
Beat Holiday Depression With Help From Friends and Loved Ones
When you feel down, it’s tempting to avoid people and isolate yourself. However, isolation can make you feel even more depressed. On the other hand, you can fight the holiday blues with help from your friends and loved ones. If possible, share your feelings with someone you care about. When you take this step, you may find your holiday sadness easing at least a bit.
You also likely have options outside of your family and friendship circle. One possibility is seeking out a local depression support group. As an alternative, you can access one of the many available regional or nationwide depression hotlines.
Remember That Substance Use Can Worsen Your Holiday Blues
Society often links drinking to a boost in your mood and sense of well-being. However, alcohol use can have the opposite effect. That’s especially true if you drink in excessive amounts. If you want to avoid holiday depression, it’s best to keep strict limits on your alcohol consumption. You will also benefit greatly from steering clear of drugs and prescription medication abuse.
Seek Depression Treatment When Needed
Clinical depression is a common mental health issue. That’s true during the holidays and throughout the year. If the holiday blues become more than you can take, seek out professional depression treatment. Research shows that proper treatment is highly effective. In fact, for every ten people who get treated, eight or nine end up feeling better. Doctors treat depression with both antidepressant medications and therapy.
Get Help for the Holiday Blues at New Start Recovery
Need help with depression during the holiday season? New Start Recovery can help. We specialize in treating the combined effects of depression and substance addiction. This treatment not only supports your return to a state of mental wellness. It also supports your lasting recovery from drug or alcohol problems. From initial detox through follow-up care, we offer the services you need. For more information, fill out our online form or call us today at [Direct].