Holiday Depression: How to Have a Jolly Holiday

 Holiday depression is common, and with the holiday season in full swing it becomes easy for people to find themselves in a sudden funk. Lack of money for gifts, an overabundance of holiday company, or even the absence of friends or family can all attribute to this form of depression. Here are five tips to rise above the holiday blues:

- With the struggling economy shopping money is tighter than ever. Instead of stressing about money for gifts make something instead. Take a nice picture of family or friends to use for a present. Bake some delicious treats or string together a necklace. There are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday season without making it all about gifts. Ultimately it is about spending time with those who matter.

- Traveling is a major part of the holidays and a likely source of stress for many. From late flights to traffic jams, these delays often leave their victims with sour moods and low spirits. The best way to alleviate stress associated with traveling is to bring a book or something to use as a distraction. If driving make a mix CD  or play travel games with other passengers. 

- Holidays usually equate to an influx of family and social gatherings. The larger the gathering, the more common the stress. If things become too much to take in the best thing to do is take a break. Whether it be a quick walk around the block or a move to another room to ease the stress, there is no reason to sit and stew if things become too overwhelming. 

- Sometimes, the very sight of holiday decorations can wear a person down. The songs that come with the season have the tendency to annoy while the constant demand for cheer can become a burden. The best way to combat this is to go somewhere that has zero trace of the holidays. Whether it be a room in the house that has not been touched by holiday decorations or even a movie theater to see a film, it is easy to find a little downtime during this festive time of year. Don't feel bad about being a Grinch once in a while.

- Perhaps the most important component to fight holiday depression is controlling the holiday, not vice versa. Choose the company that comes over. Instead of a blanket invite to all relatives, invite close friends and immediate family. There is nothing in the rule book that demands everyone need be included. The holidays are not about pleasing everyone. 

Drawing upon our more than 30-year history of granting degrees in professional psychology, Argosy University has developed a curriculum that focuses on interpersonal skills and practical experience alongside academic learning. Because getting a degree is one thing. Succeeding, quite another. This article is made possible by Helping Psychology and Argosy University.