Emotional problems during holidays

jsmcintyre

To answer a few questions that people have asked:

I am an Navy Chaplain
Childhood holidays were a tug between two divorced parents
I currently live in Southern California, but it has even been rainy here for several weeks
I want to be better so that my 4 kids have a better memory of childhood Christmas than I do.

I appreciate all of the helpful suggestions.

maillemaker

The shooting at Sandy Hook has ruined this season for me.

Gingersfit

It's very common to feel this way over the holidays and there can be a lot of causes. I visited my doctor last week to talk about it with him and do labwork. My thyroid med was off and he's changing that -- and that can cause depression or feeling down. My Vitamin D was also very deficient -- that's common because we're not out in the sunshine especially with the short days. He has me taking 5000 IU a day of vitamin D3 to help get that up. Vitamin D helps stablize emotional swings.

It's also important to take care of yourself -- get enough rest, try to eat healthy and pass up at least SOME of those cookies and chocolates everyone has laying around at the office. And, sounds strange but I've had to put extra thick curtains in my bedroom because of the Christmas lights across the street. I'm really sensitive to light in my bedroom when sleeping and my neighbors don't turn them off.

If you really feel blue, see a doctor. Don't struggle alone.

Gingersfit

And, BTW, please don't "diagnose" feeling down as a lack of faith. Christian joy is a celebration and understanding of what Christ has done for us. But it doesn't mean feeling "happy" all the time. As a Christian who struggles with depression, I have been told by pastors and well-meaning friends I just needed to "get over it" and "focus on the good", etc., etc., etc. But depression is a very real chemical imbalance and not a lack of faith or strength. Pray for God to comfort you but seek out, too, if there are chemical imbalances (that you can control through healthier living or not) and get help.

Dumbell_Diva

I know you all have your reasons for feeling low but this time last year I was really battling with depression, I would be in tears on and off all day some days and I would snap at anybody. BUT what has really helped me is taking up a new hobby. As silly and basic as this may sound, I bought myself a good camera and now I spend my time taking photos of the countryside, sunsets, wildlife, anything really. The act of taking the photo, editing or developing is totally absorbing and totally takes my mind away from any probllems I may have.

Of course I still have my down days. Christmas is one of those times. My parents arent very caring, my Dad is an alcoholic and my Mum is too wrapped up in herself and my brother, so Im sort of an after thought!! Im also a little low as I dont have my children this Christmas, they are spending it with my ex husband.

....My strategies are to go for a long walk. Often just being out of the house helps. Go for a nice long walk, complete change of scenery. The problems or emotions will still be there when we come back but just getting away from the house or the home makes us see the world differently. Hope this helps.

clemsonhrd

I struggle also ... I love the Christmas season but some how the "perfect christmas" never materializes ...and even though I know there is no such thing I still get a bit depressed.

sunsnstatheart

To answer a few questions that people have asked:

I am an Navy Chaplain
Childhood holidays were a tug between two divorced parents
I currently live in Southern California, but it has even been rainy here for several weeks
I want to be better so that my 4 kids have a better memory of childhood Christmas than I do.

I appreciate all of the helpful suggestions.

Make Christmas and the other holidays about your own kids. it finally worked for me.