December 18, 2023 – Mariposa County Health & Human Services offers some advice on how to beat the Winter Blues during the holiday season.
If you have feelings of sadness that last throughout the holiday season, you might have the holiday blues or holiday depression. The holidays are usually a time of happiness and celebration. But for some, it can be a time of sadness, loneliness, anxiety, depression, and family discord.
The holidays can also be a time of intense emotions and high demands, often leaving people feeling stressed out, overwhelmed, and exhausted.
For some, cold temperatures and lack of sunlight can lead to feelings of sadness and even seasonal affective disorder. These 6 steps may help lift your spirits and ease you out of the doldrums that can affect you during the long winter months.
Some signs of holiday depression include:
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Depressed or irritable mood
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Feeling tense, worried, or anxious
- Loss of pleasure in doing things you used to enjoy
If your symptoms don’t get better or you find yourself struggling to function as you usually do, please reach out. You are not alone. You can connect to care by calling 209-966-7000 or 1-800-549-6741 day or night. Help is just a phone call away.
Source: Mariposa County Health & Human Services
