Emotional problems during holidays

You're not alone... I was thinking the exact same thing this morning.

This is the first Christmas without my beloved Grandma. That and I live in Michigan so by the end of January, we have an annual "draw the sun by memory" contest. It also doesn't help that I have a family and personal history of struggling with depression. Even with the support of a wonderful boyfriend and family, it's hard not to feel down for me.

There are so many factors that contribute to the "blue" feeling, in my opinion. Part of feeling better, is honestly just trudging through it. Also, having someone to talk to transparently is a real blessing. I also try to write how I feel everyday in a journal. When I'm down, I like to go to the happy pages and read them over. It sounds kinda silly, but it reminds me of what I need to be thankful for and that those times are sweeter because of the down/sad times.

Hang in there. And know, you're not alone. =]

Feel free to friend me if you'd like too. I'm not a great speaker, but I have some pretty good hearing ears to listen with.

I struggle during the holidays also. I am married and have four kids, and should be enjoying the holidays, but I am pretty blue, and just ready for them to be over. The last couple of years we have had some pretty difficult events right around the hoidays, so that has not helped. I am just trying to relax and take care of myself, they will be over soon!

Oh I hate the holidays! I am the Grinch!!! What helps is when the calendar reaches March or April. :laugh:

I find my holiday cheer in the beauty of the decorations. I love the colorful lights and the sparkle! I hate the commercialism and pressure to spend money and buy buy buy. That part depresses me. I hate the feeling that I have to do certain things in a certain amount of time by a certain date. It takes all the fun out of the holiday season. When I start feeling like that I find a quiet place to be by myself and soak up simple things, like nature - even just sitting in a warmer spot inside the house with the sun coming in the window to warm me up. Then I consciously think of things that are good in my life and what I'm thankful for. Seems to calm me down.

Do you know why you feel down? What is your line of work? Journaling - as someone suggested earlier - is an awesome way to sort through you emotions. But it only works if you are absolutely completely honest with yourself. You have to write knowing that no one will ever read it so you truly benefit from it. If you're holding back anything, it won't be as effective. Keep that in mind and I think you'll really enjoy it and start to want to do it instead of having to try to remember to do it.

Good luck to you...and happy merry Christmas holidays!

Wow! This is what I wrote last night on my news feed before I went to bed:

Sheila_Ann: Lately I don't feel focus. I feel depressed and I'm not sure why. Hopefully I will snap out of it and be able to get back into the swing of thing. I need to find that drive again. Not sure where I left it. Have a good night my friends. <hugs>

Guess I'm not alone. I live in CT and what happened here probably tipped me right over the edge. My family lives in Florida and Puerto Rico so I don't have anyone but my wonderful 8 y/o son.

I'm hoping to snap out of it real son cuz it sucks! I saw my nutritionist this morning in the hallway and she said that maybe I should talk to someone or do something that is fun for me and my son.

I'm sorry I can't offer you any advise except to hang in there and hopefully it will pass.

Feel free to friend request me if you'd like

Thanks!
Sheila

I have been struggling, too. I think it's because the older we get, the more people we miss around this time (at least, I think that's my problem).

I don't have any reason to be down! Everything is going great, it's just the time of year. You are not the only one!

S'true!

Hang in there and you are not alone!!! So much go into the holidays and its hard to manage.
Don't beat yourself up and find what makes you happy and focus on that!!

I don't want to dread this time of year every year. I want to be able to celebrate. In my line of work I need to be able to lead people in this celebration. Right now I feel like I need people to lead me.

Reread what you wrote - but change the emphasis. I have found personally that the best way to get over the "blues" is to focus on others, not on me. What "I need" is exactly what you said- to be able to lead or help others to be happy. The more we focus on others, the less we think about ourselves- and the less we think about ourselves, the happier we will be. Try it - it really works!! And if you don't "feel" like it- "fake it until you make it."

I don't want to dread this time of year every year. I want to be able to celebrate. In my line of work I need to be able to lead people in this celebration. Right now I feel like I need people to lead me.

Reread what you wrote - but change the emphasis. I have found personally that the best way to get over the "blues" is to focus on others, not on me. What "I need" is exactly what you said- to be able to lead or help others to be happy. The more we focus on others, the less we think about ourselves- and the less we think about ourselves, the happier we will be. Try it - it really works!! And if you don't "feel" like it- "fake it until you make it."

^yes! This! I didn't even think of this! Find a local organization you can volunteer with. Buy toys for kids and donate them to a toy drive. Focusing on others always helps me forget about me and my problems.