Some suggestions for overcoming depression at Christmastime …

Depression at Christmastime is not uncommon, and neither are articles about that topic that are almost depressing themselves!

Every year, I come across multiple articles that kind of “surrender” to depression over the holidays, almost saying, “just give in and suffer the ravages of depression at Christmastime.”

You don’t have to do that!

Saying that does NOT ignore the very real reality that the Christmas season can bring a strong pull toward depression, but you can push through that. Let me make some suggestions how:

Direct your thinking. This is essential. Instead of spiraling downward into a black morass of emotion, give attention and energy to directing your thoughts and especially at keeping your self-talk rational. This is so important because of this fundamental truth about basic human behavior:

Our thoughts create our emotions, and the combination of our thoughts and emotions create our behavior.

Without directing your thoughts, it can be easy to find yourself wallowing in thoughts that could only possibly create negative emotions, so be especially vigilant at not doing that this time of year. But be rational, which DOES include:

• • Acknowledging your feelings. Don’t try to lie about your feelings, but don’t surrender to them. Instead, be honest about any feelings you’re experiencing or wrestling with, but don’t play them over and over and over in your mind; persistently redirect your thinking to stay rational.
  • Have realistic expectations. Everything doesn’t have to be like it was last year, the house doesn’t have to be perfectly decorated (or decorated at all), and you don’t have to pretend like this is, as the popular song claims, the “happiest time of the year” for you this time around.
  • Don’t run from memories, but don’t languish in them. For many people, the celebration of Christmas fosters some of our most cherished memories — it’s okay to recall them, just try to center your thoughts on positive memories, appreciate them, then redirect your thinking – don’t linger too long in the past.
  • Don’t hesitate to get away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays for some quiet time alone that allows you to quiet your mind in a healthy and comforting way. Sometimes too much “holiday hurry” can generate unnecessary anxiety you don’t need stir up.

Revel in Jesus. Purposely work at making the holiday all about the One it truly is about! Time spent studying the word, in contemplation with the Word, and in prayer can foster a natural desire to move on to worship, adoration, and praise as you make Jesus the center of your holiday thoughts and activities.

Nurture the positive relationships you do have. Avoid isolating yourself. Instead, this can be a good time to purposely engage with the people in your life now and nurture those relationships in a fresh way.

A “joy exchange.” If you feel like you’re lacking in joy this Christmas season, you likely have people still in your life who would like to share some of theirs with you — let them! Or, you might rekindle your joy by bringing joy to others — you can do that by serving others over the holidays, or if you have the means, by giving to others who may not be receiving even though it’s Christmastime. Try to let people share their “holiday joy” with you, and/or bringing joy to others can be a deeply joyous experience.

Don’t languish in old traditions. Just because you’ve always celebrated the season certain ways doesn’t mean you have to now, especially if doing so stirs emotional pain.

Create new traditions. Some people can move forward better by creating new traditions that they’ll observe in years to come, purposely bringing a new approach to their holiday celebrations.

Keep up appropriate self-care. You’ll find yourself having better energy and clarity of thought if you make sure to exercise, eat well, and maintain a healthy sleep pattern through the holidays. All three of these — exercise, nutrition, and sleep — directly impact your mental, physical, AND spiritual well-being, so not slacking in these areas is a robust defense against a pull toward depression.

Seek support as needed. If you need support in any way, don’t hesitate to seek after it, and ask for it.

Scotty