Getting through the holidays

There are many disadvantages to being diagnosed with depression – that’s something I’ve learned over the past nine years. However, to this day, on top of the relapses and episodes one thing I still find tremendously difficult is getting through the holidays – any holiday to be exact.

Thanksgiving just passed us and right when Friday came along, the thoughts in my head started going…just dreading the fact that this weekend in particular was Thanksgiving weekend.

The thing is, I tend to feel lonelier during the holidays and I find that I can easily be triggered, shut down or be facing an episode before I know it. Everyone gets triggered in a different way; personally for me it’s seeing everyone and their extended families get together and spend time together. I know it sounds weird, but I have my own personal reasons for that. On top of that, social media is so hot in our everyday lives that you know that people are going to go on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to show what they are up to for the Thanksgiving long weekend.

The reality is, is that Thanksgiving is practically the kick off to the holiday season which ends in January. We still have Christmas and New Years to get through. So how do we deal with the holidays? I’ve learned a few tricks myself over the years, so I thought I’d share them and maybe they can be some help to others.

Avoid social media

You may not realize it, but going on social media can seriously affect your mental health. We develop very unhealthy habits of constantly checking all our networks and comparing our lives to others. I know for me that social media is a huge trigger and I found myself getting upset a lot for various reasons. So, what I’ve learned just recently actually (this past summer to be exact) is to take time off of social media. Just disconnect and breathe. You’ll find yourself at ease and you may even pick up on new hobbies or find yourself back to old ones. For instance, I’m doing this for my Instagram account and I can’t tell you the relief I’ve had. Rather than getting caught up in others and overthinking about my life, I find myself reading and meditating and it’s been such a changing experience.

Say yes to invitations

I know how hard it is to get yourself up and out of the door when you’re going through depression, but during the holidays, try to push yourself and step outside. If your friend or family member invites you out somewhere, go with them and enjoy that experience. After all, they invited you for a reason…because they want you to be there and be part of that moment.

Keep yourself busy

If you don’t want to spend time at home during the holidays, volunteer somewhere. Get yourself out and keep yourself busy. Giving back through volunteering can be the best form of therapy during the holidays. The connections and conversations you have can be life-changing.

Reach out to someone

I know this one can be tricky because some people are absolutely jam packed with stuff during the holidays, but that doesn’t mean you don’t try to reach out to someone that you’ve been wanting to speak to.  Whether it is because you can’t make it home for the holidays and are missing your family or someone’s been on your mind a lot, simply pick up the phone and give them a call. You’ll be surprised how drastically that can change your mood.