The Christmas Holiday Blues
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Many people get depressed at this time of year. There are many reasons for this but it happens so often now that the season has a small but growing enigma attached to it that has it dubbed as a depressing time of year. This article is briefly going to try to bring to light some of the reasons people get depressed and some things that might be done to prevent it.
One of the main reasons sited for depression at this time of year is loneliness. I can relate to this experience as I have spent many a Christmas alone. It is not a very good feeling to be alone on what is supposed to be a happy time spent with family and friends. Many people do not have family or friends. It is just as depressing when a family member has died and is not present for the first time at Christmas. Santa phone calls can help when a child is involved in this situation. For some reason, Santa calls make them feel better for a short time but the absence of a friend of loved one can be devastating at this time of year.
For those totally alone, being a member of a church can help. The church is like an extended family away from home. The goodwill and fellowship of others that share your faith can be good for the soul and keep you from being too lonely. A church or a group that meets for the purpose of sharing the feelings that are held in common is a great way to express yourself and your issues. Talking about your feelings to someone who understands always helps.
If going to church is not your thing or if being part of a group is not possible for you, get out of the house. Treat yourself to a night on the town or visit a bookstore and get yourself a few good books to read as you pass the time until the holiday is over or until you feel better. Go places where people are and mix into the crowd. If you do what other people are doing, you are bound to meet interesting people with whom you can interact.
Another option is to go to a party. Even a Christmas party would suffice if there are people about and fun things to do. When you attend a party, do not just stand in a corner taking up space and feeling sorry for yourself. Get in there and mingle with people that you find interesting or different. Try to enjoy yourself a little bit. If you really make an effort to have some fun you might actually have some. If you put yourself in a position to experience other people having fun, you might have some in spite of yourself.
The very best thing that you can do if you are depressed and lonely during the holiday season or any other time of year is to do something for someone else. If you help other people, you will help yourself. Go to a nursing home and find someone to read to. Visit the children at the hospital and put on a show. Help someone who is building a house, working in the yard, or clearing snow. Just get out there and stay busy doing things that help other people and you will be surprised at how much better you feel.
Finally, write down what you are going through and what you are doing about it. Start a journal and express your feelings on paper. Read what you have written and learn from it. Use this writing to figure out when you are really down and what triggers it and then use the information to avoid those moments and those feelings. Once you get to the other side of the holiday, if you do not feel better, keep working through it, and never give up.
Seek professional help if you cannot figure a way to feel better about your situation or your depression. It is not shameful to look for help. If you broke your arm, you would go to a doctor. It is the same thing.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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