COMBATING FEELINGS OF DEPRESSION AFTER THE HOLIDAYS, STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

It’s not uncommon for the holidays to bring a bit of anxiety and depression. After all, it can be a stressful and busy time as you run around purchasing gifts, cooking for special occasions, and attending company holiday parties and family gatherings. This can easily wear on you, and of course, the long, dark winter months don’t help a person’s mood either. Add all of this to the fact that you likely are returning to work after a holiday break, and it’s easy to feel a bit of post-holiday blues. However, there are steps you can take to combat those feelings of anxiety and depression. Make note of the following tips to elevate your mood and improve your well-being.

EXERCISE

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, regular routines, like exercising, sometimes get pushed to the wayside. Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to hit the gym. Even a walk around your neighborhood can make a big difference in your mental status. Exercise can boost your mood, help you to feel more energized, and can make you feel more motivated. Another bonus of a regular exercise routine is it can help you lose any extra holiday pounds.

EAT WELL

Perhaps you gave yourself permission over the holidays to overindulge in all of your favorite sugary, sweet treats, or you simply overate. Regardless, this can lead to sugar rushes, followed by the inevitable crash, leaving you feeling tired and moody. You might also feel a bit guilty and depressed over the large quantities of food you ate. Now’s the time to start eating healthier, which will make you feel better.

BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF

Don’t expect to be back on your regular routine immediately. Cut yourself some slack and be patient with yourself as you readjust to your normal schedule. Setting reasonable expectations is important. For instance, if you haven’t been exercising, it’s not realistic to say you’re going to hit the gym six days a week. Rather, set a goal of going two to three times a week. Being patient with yourself will help alleviate ongoing feelings of anxiety and depression.

TAKE A SUPPLEMENT

Something as simple as taking a supplement full of Vitamin B and natural energy boosters, such as ginseng, can help you to feel more energized.

FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE

Rather than think about how exhausting and stressful the holidays were and how they invoked feelings of anxiety and depression, focus on the good memories you made and what experiences you enjoyed most over the holidays. For instance, maybe you loved the smell of the Christmas tree and the glow the lights created, you enjoyed savoring special food you only eat over the holidays, or you got to spend time with treasured family and friends.

PLAN SOMETHING FUN

Now that the holidays are over, your calendar may look quite empty. Planning a fun activity can give you something to look forward to and improve your mood and outlook. Make plans to try a new restaurant, go ice skating, or plan a fun weekend getaway.

TREAT YOURSELF

Treating yourself to something you enjoy can be a great mood booster. Schedule a massage, a pedicure, or enjoy a coffee at your favorite café.

SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

If your feelings of anxiety and depression don’t subside, contact a professional mental health provider. Your feelings of anxiety and depression may be more than just the post-holiday blues.

The Behavioral Health Response Team (BHRT) provides mobile behavioral health services and crisis intervention 24/7, 365 days a year to individuals, families and agencies in Rockland County. The Team can come to you if a mental health situation needs immediate intervention.

BHRT has an experienced team of mental Health professionals capable of responding immediately to requests for assistance or intervention with any behavioral health issue. The issues can range from serious emotional crisis to seeking guidance for behavioral health support. Our Team will conduct a basic needs assessment as well as referrals to mental health providers and agencies to ensure that individuals and families receive the on-going care they need. If immediate additional support is needed the BHRT team members will arrange transportation to the most appropriate facility. BHRT works collaboratively with all Rockland hospitals, mental health agencies, and first response agencies to ensure the most appropriate care. The BHRT Team will come to any location in Rockland county 24 hours a day.
Services are always free thanks to a grant from the NYS Office of Mental Health through Rockland County. For more information call 845-517-0400 24 hours a day and visit www.rocklandhelp.org.

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