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YourHub.com \\ Federal Heights \\ Stories \\ Health/Fitness \\ Resources

Tips for avoiding the holiday blue

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Contributed by: Kristen Blessman on 12/14/2006

Denver, CO - Like Elvis, many people can relate to having a "blue christmas." Ken Wiig, a father who has two grown children who won't be making it home for Christmas, tends to experience empty-nest syndrome a little more around the holidays. Olivia Kervaillant, a student at Regis University, will be having a white Christmas instead of heading home to the Phillipines.

"I'm definitely sad," says Kervaillant. "It really starts to hit when my mom calls and says how much she'll miss me."

Experts suggest that people definitely experience the blues more around holiday time because of high stress levels and large expectations. Regis University's director of behavioral health, Sally Spencer-Thomas, offers some tips to help those who are battling holiday depression.

- Don't over-extend yourself. Keep things simple over the holidays
"We set ourselves up for unrealistic expectations; finding that perfect gift, having family harmony, making the house beautiful. Be easy on yourself. Cross off the 'should' list. Delegate the rest of the list to others who actually enjoy it. This year I kept the tradition of making cards, but I didn't string one light outside."

- When they experience depression, many people tend to overeat, overspend and drink too much. These are all temporary solutions and will definitely come back to haunt you later.
"These tactics work in the short-run by elevating our mood or distracting us, but almost as soon as they are over we start to regret. Pace yourself and arm yourself with a plan. Learn to nibble; go to the stores with a list and a budget in mind."

- If you're dealing with the loss of a loved one, re-examine your family traditions. Think about what traditions you participated in that can be let go, or a new one you can introduce.
"Grief can overshadow the brightness of the holidays when the empty chair reminds us of loved ones we have lost. Find faith communities or grief counselors who are able to sit with the sadness. Find quiet time for reflection and stillness, and give yourself permission to grieve."

- Family conflicts can heighten around the holidays. You can choose to limit exposure to unhealthy family relationships and create a "family of choice" such as close friends or acquaintances.
"If you must be with toxic family remembers, don't let these define the holidays for you. Keep the time together limited and find ways for forgiveness. Be gentle with each other. If you are feeling stress, chances are others are as well."

- Many people find comfort in engaging in service to the community over the holidays. These types of volunteer work tend to put things into perspective.
"Make the service a family affair. Most likely, this is what the children will remember long past the toys and clothes they received."

Kristen Blessman is associate director for media relations for Regis University.

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John Eisel

Denver , COLORADO

John Eisel has posted 2865 stories and 12 comments since joining on 9/14/2005. John Eisel's average story rating is 4.39.

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