Millions of men and women find themselves affected by the holiday blues every year. Many of those affected have a diagnosable case of depression. However, you may feel unusually down at the holidays even without qualifying for a depression diagnosis. Fortunately, mental health experts are well aware of the need for holiday depression treatment. They can also offer important tips on how to avoid feeling blue during the holiday season.
Are you a woman affected by depression? If so, Women’s Recovery can help. Whatever the source of your depression symptoms, we offer gender-specific support for your recovery. During the holidays and throughout the year, you can rely on us for the best in women-focused treatment.
Avoiding the Holiday Blues, Tip #1: Take Care of Your Physical Health
Like all mental health conditions, depression has an impact on your physical well-being. This connection works in both directions. Poor physical health can amplify your depression symptoms. In contrast, sound physical health can help you keep them at bay.
Even if you don’t officially have depression, you can take steps to support physical wellness. Examples of these steps include:
- Exercising regularly
- Eating foods that promote good health
- Getting adequate amounts of sleep
You can also help yourself by not overeating at holiday events.
Avoiding the Holiday Blues, Tip #2: Call on Your Support Network
Support from others is an excellent way to limit the effects of holiday depression. If at all possible, avoid isolating yourself during the holidays. Instead, reach out to friends and loved ones you can talk to. Sharing your experiences with others can help you feel less alone and more capable of coping with holiday sadness.
You can also rely on other forms of support. For example, you may have access to a depression support group in your area. In addition, no matter where you live, you can reach out through dedicated depression helplines.
Avoiding the Holiday Blues, Tip #3: Steer Clear of Alcohol and Drugs
If you’re feeling down, you may have an increased chance of drinking too much. That’s true because, in the short run, alcohol can seem to ease holiday sadness. Many people try to self-medicate in this way. However, in reality, drinking can actually promote feelings of sadness and depression. Instead of feeling better, you can end up feeling much worse. The same facts hold true for both illegal and prescription drugs.
Depression Treatment May Be Crucial
No matter what you try, you may end up finding yourself overwhelmed by holiday depression. In some cases, you may already have a depression diagnosis. If so, contact your doctor for advice on seeking effective treatment. For some people, the appearance of the holiday blues may signal the beginning of diagnosable depression. To find out if you’re affected, seek help from a qualified mental health professional.
Depression treatment typically takes two forms:
- Antidepressant medication
- Psychotherapy
You may benefit from either or both of these common treatment options. If your depression occurs in combination with a diagnosable substance problem, you have something called dual diagnosis. To recover, you will need help for both of the problems affecting you.
Seek Help for Holiday Depression at Women’s Recovery
Have questions about the holiday blues or effective depression treatment? Ask the experts at Women’s Recovery. We have the experience needed to provide the answers you seek.
Women’s Recovery also specializes in the gender-specific treatment of depression-related dual diagnosis. Our customized approach allows us to target the issues at the root of your symptoms. In this way, we help you find a workable path back to health and wellness. Call us today at 833.754.0554 for more information on our services. You can also reach us through our online form.
