The holiday season is often hailed as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for many individuals, it can also be a time of increased stress, loneliness, and depression. Can I get an amen? Do you find yourself drinking a bit more than you intended? Eating your feelings? Snapping at your kids because they won’t stand still for that instagram worthy picture?
Growing Up with Depression: My journey into the world of mental health began with a deeply personal connection – my father’s struggle with depression. I lost my dad several years ago and I still wish I could pick up the phone and call him. He was such a wonderful, Godly man. As an adult though, I know he struggled all of his adult life with depression and now I see how it affected not only him but every member of our family.
So, let me ask you a hard question, does your depression cast a shadow over your home during the holiday season, turning what should be a time of warmth and festivity into a period of tension and sadness?
I know firsthand how this relentless condition can weigh down not only the person experiencing it but also their loved ones. During the holidays, when expectations for happiness are high, the contrast between one’s internal struggles and the external festivities can be particularly stark. I‘ve been there, where my family wasn’t getting the best version of me, and I could feel the mood of one person in the house impacting everyone else.
Depression’s reach extends far beyond the individual who battles it. It’s like a ripple effect, affecting the emotional well-being of those closest to the person suffering. During the holiday season, this impact can intensify, as the desire for connection and joy clashes with the reality of depressive symptoms. Loved ones may feel helpless, frustrated, or even guilty for not being able to alleviate the suffering.
Let’s talk about options available: When we get the opportunity to start a patient on a new therapeutic journey, it’s a moment filled with optimism. Having experienced the profound changes that therapy can bring, I am passionate about helping others find relief and healing during this challenging time of year and we aren’t talking just about medication.
Medication is great and can be helpful. I was on an anti-depressant before and it worked but it didn’t get to the root of my problem. I needed to do the work too.
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Identifying the Problem: The first step in tackling holiday depression is recognizing that it exists. It’s essential to acknowledge the symptoms, which may include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep patterns, and feelings of hopelessness. Once identified, seeking help is crucial. |
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Therapy as a Solution: Therapy offers a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are just a few of the evidence-based approaches that have been effective in treating depression. |
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Breaking Isolation: One of the most challenging aspects of depression during the holidays is the feeling of isolation. Find a group activity to get out of rut with. Bowling? Karaoke? Trivia nights? Book clubs? Whatever might tickle your fancy! |
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Learning Coping Strategies: Coping strategies and skills to manage depressive symptoms is important and not just coping strategies, HEALTHY coping strategies. These tools can be especially valuable during the holiday season, helping individuals navigate family gatherings, social events, and the pressure to be joyful. These include: meditation, deep breathing exercises, exercise, journaling, talking to a trusted friend, doing affirmations. |
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Improving Relationships: Depression can strain relationships, but therapy can help mend those bonds. Couples or family therapy can be a valuable addition to individual treatment, allowing loved ones to better understand and support each other. I cannot share this enough, learn BOUNDARIES, practice BOUNDARIES, read BOUNDARIES. You’ll learn how to feel respected, have healthy interactions, and safeguard yourself in all your relationships. |
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Setting Realistic Expectations: Therapy can assist individuals in setting achievable goals and expectations for the holiday season. It helps in reframing negative thoughts and focusing on self-compassion and self-care. |
and of course I want to share about ketamine therapy… I’m a big BIG fan. Here’s a quick 4 min video.
What Patients Are Saying
“I just want to wish you and Megan a Happy Easter! God bless your work. The treatments have allowed me to truly enjoy myself for the first time in MANY years.” – Robert E.
“I’ve been taking medicines for it (depression) for years, and they never really do anything to help. I just finished my 6th infusion so I’m done with it until I fell like I need one again (if I do), but it’s been pretty amazing results so far. I only found out about it a few weeks ago. Wish I would’ve heard about it sooner!” – Nicole T.
“It’s like there is a mini blind over my life, and it is opening up the blinds and letting the light in.” – Robert P.
Bonus Tip: Take Vitamin D + K3 10,000U during the winter and 50000U during the summer. This can help elevate mood.