Feeling Blue After Christmas? You’re Not Alone
Plus, practical ways to feel better.
Christmas is a holiday that promises peace, joy, and warmth amongst the often-cold Winter season. We’re encouraged to eat, drink, and be merry. It’s a time to relax in front of the television, break out a board game, and spend time with those we love.
With all this wholesome fun happening in a few short weeks, it’s no wonder that the aftermath of the Christmas season can have a serious impact on our mental health.
A survey by the American Psychological Association found that while people reported feelings of joy and high spirits over the holidays, feelings of stress, sadness, and irritability were also recorded.
While there is no accredited data to suggest a rise in use of psychiatric services or suicide rates around Christmas time, it’s clear that going from the relaxed atmosphere of Christmas back to the harsh realities of the real world can be a shock for many of us.
It’s also important to remember that some of us don’t experience a peaceful Christmas season. A strain on finances, dealing with family members we may not particularly like, and dealing with diet culture around Christmas may cause a rise in mental health issues and a decrease in mood. Not to mention the restrictions surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic, Coronavirus anxiety in general, and the loneliness many of us have suffered as a result.
With this in mind, we’ve gathered a few suggestions of how to beat the post-Christmas blues.
(Please note: If you’re experiencing hopelessness, feeling overwhelmed, are abusing drugs/alcohol, and/or experiencing thoughts of suicide and/or self-harm, please seek help from your doctor. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you’ll feel better.)
Switch off from social media
Seeing people you know, or even total strangers, with beautifully decorated trees and mountains of presents can be a real buzzkill. You may be tempted to compare your Christmas to theirs. If you know that you suffer from this type of thinking, do yourself a favor and spend time off social media. Try centring yourself by starting a gratitude journal, listing everything you’re grateful for this holiday season. This tangible reminder of your efforts can remind you to be proud of yourself.
New Year, New Me?
Having something to look forward to is always a good idea, so take some time to plan out your January. A routine to dive into can do wonders for mental health. If the current Coronavirus guidelines have narrowed down your prospects, why not bring the excitement closer to home? Around 400,000 people participated in Veganuary this year, while Red January (where you exercise and raise money for mental health charity Mind) is also gaining popularity.
Elf care
Okay, pardon the pun. But self-care, as vague as that may seem, can have a fantastic impact on low mood and overall motivation. A 2019 study published by the British Journal of Nursing found that not focusing on their own wellness could cause student nurses to provide a lower standard of care, compared to those who do. Taking time for your mind and body should be treated as a priority- you owe it to yourself. Find what works for you, whether it’s walking your dog, treating yourself (within reason) in the January sales, or following along to meditation tutorials on YouTube.
If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, you can reach out to these organizations for support:
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