Some Slack for the Tense on the Holidays

I know, I know—some people just love the holiday season—“the hap-, hap-, happiest time of the year” and all that. Good for you.

Some of us don’t feel so well this time of year. Perhaps it is the prohibitive distance to visit loved ones; perhaps it is grief over lost loved ones; perhaps it’s that the giving season reveals our poverty; perhaps it’s Seasonal Affective Disorder. All these are so-called “situational” or “minor” depression.

And for some of us the depression has no discernible cause at all—that’s clinical depression or “major” depression. I’ve grown weary of explaining my depression over the years: No, I can’t put my finger on a reason. No, there’s nothing you can do to help. Thanks.

That said, from long experience I know that clinical depression and situational depression often coincide. The holiday season can be a double whammy.

Whether it’s situational, clinical, or all tangled up like a big ball of ribbon, here’s a survival list I keep that might help:

• Cut yourself all the slack you need.
• Find some alone time. Walk; nap; read—and try not to medicate, whether that be drugs, alcohol, or over-eating.
• Say “no” when you need to say no.
• Say your truth. Yes, I know: I always get the same response: “Why do you hate Christmas?” Same answer: I don’t hate Christmas. I hate being depressed.
• Buy gifts ahead of time (OK, I know: too late; but next year—it helps with that overwhelmed feeling).

And just keep telling yourself, fellow sufferers—it will end. It will be over. Just keep saying it . . .