Are you suffering from holiday depression?

Holidays are often touted as the most wonderful time of the year. However, for many of us (about thirty-eight percent) feel more stressed during the holiday season.

This and many similar studies this point to a direct relation between holidays and depression or stress.

There are many factors that cause holiday depression. 

Sometimes it’s due to our inability to be with our loved ones as we are either away for work in another city or just not being able to make it in time. 

Over-commercialization of Christmas.

Christmas depression is also often caused by the over-commercialization of the festival that also brings undue financial stress for many. A poll of over 1,000 adults by the Principal Financial Group found that 53 percent of people experience financial stress due to holiday spending, a common scenario faced by people even if they have budgeted for the holidays.

Social isolation and social anxiety.

Social isolation is also a leading cause of holiday depression. We as humans are social and require a certain amount of social interaction to function properly, the need for which is heightened during the holiday season. 

The exact opposite is the compulsion and societal pressure of attending parties and dinners which cause holiday anxiety.

Fear of facing toxic relatives.

For many people, going home for the holidays means going back to some toxic relatives and to a toxic environment. This a lasting impact on our mental health, and is something that a lot of us can’t avoid. The religious aspect of festivals also adds to the holiday stress that many people deal with.

The balancing act of holidays.

The balancing act during holidays that is personal commitments, parties, events, gifting, shopping, and trip planning often proves as a burden to many people. Some common symptoms for holiday depression include headaches, excessive drinking, overeating, insomnia, and heightened fatigue, mood swings and body aches. 

These symptoms can persist throughout the holiday season, or show up after it’s over. We should not mistake these symptoms as a byproduct of holiday exertion but assert themselves as a probable cause of holiday depression and consult a professional.

Holiday blues are temporary while holiday depression and stress have a lasting effect on us. If you are facing holiday depression and aren’t comfortable with opening up to your friends or family, consider talking to an Online Counselor. Seeking the help of a professional will guide you in properly navigating the trials and tribulations of holiday stress. Browse through our list of Online Counselors and book a session now.