The holidays are supposed to be a festive time of year, so why are you feeling the holiday blues? If you feel down during what’s supposed to be a joyous season, you’re not alone. Despite the happy faces that many people put on, a lot of them feel overwhelmed and stressed. When they give in to these negative emotions, drug and alcohol abuse may result. Learn how to prevent the blues through a depression treatment center in North Carolina.
At Red Oak Recovery®, we understand the challenges surrounding mental health issues and addiction. We provide a range of evidence-based and experiential therapeutic options to address the unique challenges that trauma, mental health concerns, and addiction present. With the help of our treatment options, we can help you manage the holiday blues. To learn about holiday depression treatment, you can reach out to our team today at 866.457.7590.
Why Do I Feel So Sad?
While many people think that the holiday season is the happiest time of year, what happens if you don’t feel happy at all? Millions of Americans suffer depression that doesn’t lift just because Christmas is coming. Others suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or simply a case of the winter blues.
For people who already have mental health issues, feeling the holiday blues is common. Add in the stress of holiday shopping and family interactions, and the season can be a drain on your mental and physical energy. Other common causes of holiday blues can include:
- The stress of family gatherings
- Overcommitting
- Over-commercialization
- Unrealistic expectations
- Breaking healthy habits
It is possible to avoid the holiday blues, but it is vital to figure out what caused it. Fortunately, with the help of a professional depression treatment program, the process can be relatively straightforward.
How Can I Prevent the Holiday Blues?
If you know you’re likely to feel down during the holidays, prepare as much as you can in advance to lessen your chances of drinking too much to cope with the stress. Have your support system by your side so that you don’t feel isolated and alone. This is another trigger for both the holiday blues and drug and alcohol abuse.
Ways to prevent the holiday blues include:
- Get your rest: With everything that’s going on, it’s easy to skimp on sleep. However, it’s more important than ever to make sure you get enough rest. When you feel fatigued, you’re more likely to succumb to stress.
- Volunteer: Give back by serving meals in a soup kitchen or volunteering at your local animal shelter. You’ll feel good helping others, which is a great mood booster.
- Attend support group meetings: For people in recovery, the holidays can be a particularly challenging time. Go to local 12-step or other support group meetings, where you’ll be able to talk to others who know exactly how you feel.
- Get out and about: Don’t stay cooped up in your house if it makes you feel lonely. Go for a brisk walk in the cool air or enjoy the bustle of customers in your favorite coffee shop.
- Practice self-care: To prevent the holiday blues from sneaking up on you, take care of yourself. Practice mindfulness meditation, yoga, tai chi, or other exercises that calm and relax you. Continue to follow a healthy diet so that you feel good about yourself. However, don’t beat yourself up if you indulge in an occasional holiday treat.
- Learn how to say no: Learning how to say no is vital for both your mental and physical health. We help clients create healthy boundaries to keep you from over-committing yourself.
Finally, attend holiday parties if it makes you feel better, but don’t be afraid to leave early (before heavy drinking starts) or go with a sober buddy, who will hold you accountable.
Addiction Treatment Designed for Young Adults
Red Oak Recovery® is an addiction treatment facility in Asheville, North Carolina. We focus on treating young adults in gender-specific programs. We operate the only true hybrid treatment program, a combination of wilderness and adventure therapy and clinical programs.
Our young adult rehab programs include:
- Co-occurring disorder treatment
- Drug addiction treatment
- Alcohol addiction treatment center
- Anxiety treatment program
Whether you’re grappling with drug and alcohol abuse alone or you’re also struggling with depression and anxiety, let our experienced team help you. We’ll guide you toward lasting recovery and a brighter future. Contact Red Oak Recovery® today at 866.457.7590 to learn more.
