How to Cope With Holiday Depression and Stress:

It's the most wonderful time of the year, right? well, at least that's what most of us like to think. The holiday season is supposed to be a time filled with celebrations, social gatherings, family, and friends. This is the time where you get in the holiday spirit, decorate your house, put up your Christmas tree, and share moments with your loved ones. That may be the case for most people, but for some people, the holidays can be triggering and cause holiday depression and stress.

Sadness is a personal feeling, and people can be sad for many different reasons. So, what can make someone feel sad around the holiday season? well according to WebMD, "there could be many factors. Such as, stress, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, financial stress, and the inability to be with family and friends." WebMD also states that, "stress from shopping, parties, family obligations, and house-guests can all contribute to feeling overwhelmed and can increase tension during the holidays." But people who don't realize that they're depressed, can develop stress responses like, headaches, excessive drinking, over-eating, and insomnia.

Some people can also experience post-holiday sadness after the New Year's, this can happen as a result of built-up expectations and disappointments from the previous year, coupled with stress and fatigue.

Tips on how to cope with holiday depression and stress:

1. Make realistic expectations for the holiday season.
2. Do not put all your energy into just one day (i.e., Christmas Day, New Year's Eve). The holiday cheer can be spread from one holiday event to the next.
3. Live and enjoy the present.
4. Look to the future with optimism.
5. Don't set yourself up for disappointment and sadness by comparing today with the good old days of the past. 
6. If you are lonely, try volunteering some time to help others.
7. Limit your drinking, since excessive drinking will only increase your feelings of depression.
8. Try something new. Celebrate the holidays in a new way.
9. Budget yourself, and keep track of your spending during the holidays. Overspending can lead to stress, when it's time to pay bills after the holidays.
10. If you don't get along with all of your family members, don't feel like you have to overextend yourself to them. Family can be toxic too.
11. Protect your peace from any negativity during the holidays.
12. Spend time with supportive and caring people.