While this time of year is a time for friends, family, and food, it can also bring mental health conditions, such as depression. Perhaps this is the first year that you are celebrating without a friend or family member who has passed away over the last year. Maybe you’re struggling with the effects of the ongoing pandemic. Alternatively, maybe the thought of spending excessive amounts of money on presents for your loved ones feels overwhelming. Fortunately, you don’t have to struggle with depression during the holidays alone. At South Tampa Psychiatry, we are proud to provide you with the tools you need to manage your mental health no matter what time of year it is. To learn more about how to cope with depression during Christmas, reach out to our team today at 866.273.5017 and begin our depression disorder treatment program.
Coping With Depression During the Christmas
It’s critical to take steps to manage your mental health this December. There is a range of ways that you can manage your depression during Christmas, including:
1. Set Realistic Expectations
Unmet expectations are a common cause of feeling sad or depressed during this season. The year 2020 has not been like any other year in the past, and it seems reasonable to assume this holiday season will also be unique. As such, you need to work on setting realistic expectations for the season. While this holiday season may not be like the one you had last year, there are plenty of ways to make it memorable, including:
- Host a Zoom caroling event
- Facetime with friends and family members in other states
- Make your own ornaments
- Try new recipes
Creating new traditions for this unexpected time can help alleviate your depression symptoms.
2. Practice Mindfulness
Looking back at the past and remembering what might have been isn’t healthy in the best of times. However, during the holidays, this action can worsen your depression symptoms. Instead, engage in the moment. Enjoy the holiday you have, rather than the holiday that you had hoped that you would have.
3. Stick to Your Health Habits
Even though the holidays are a great time to engage in a little excess, they shouldn’t become a time when you lose all control. In fact, overindulging can add to your depression symptoms and lead to guilt and stress. Instead, you can continue practicing healthy habits, such as:
- Eating healthy meals
- Sticking to a regular exercise routine
- Practicing deep breathing
- Getting plenty of sleep
- Avoiding drugs and alcohol
- Limit your time on the news and social media
4. Take Time For Yourself
Though the holidays present an excellent time for being with the people you love, you should also remember to take time for yourself. Spend a few minutes alone each day to refresh yourself. For instance, you may want to take a walk or listen to soothing music. Alternatively, you can paint or read a book. In short, find something that will allow you to clear your mind and help keep you calm.
The Importance of Seeking Depression Treatment
If you’re suffering from depression, there are treatment options available. For instance, at South Tampa Psychiatry, we combine treatments such as individual therapy, which is a traditional part of mental health recovery, with new and emerging treatments, such as TMS therapy. During TMS therapy, one of our clinicians will attach a metal coil to your head and use this coil to deliver targeted magnetic stimulation to the area of the brain that depression affects. This treatment can be highly effective for those whose depression has been resistant to treatment in the past. If you suffer from depression, your condition may benefit from treatments such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
We do our best to tailor our treatments to the needs of the client. Therefore, you will get the care that you need to manage your depression during the holidays and the rest of the year.
Contact South Tampa Psychiatry
Sometimes, our best efforts aren’t enough to help us cope with depression during Christmas. You don’t have to be ashamed if you’re struggling to maintain your mental health this holiday season. Instead, please take it as a sign that it’s time to reach out for help. For instance, at South Tampa Psychiatry, we can help you manage feelings of depression and anxiety, whether they occur during the holidays or the rest of the year. We offer a range of mental health treatment options, including:
- Depression treatment
- Anxiety treatment
- Bipolar disorder treatment
- Substance abuse treatment
To learn more about coping with depression during Christmas, reach out to South Tampa Psychiatry today by calling 866.273.5017, or contact us online.
