I feel sad and depressed around the holidays. What can I do to feel better?
Frequent origins of depression around the holidays include interactions with others, financial strain and physical burdens. Exercise is one of the best ways to relieve depressive symptoms; it’s not just good for you physically. Find positive ways of remembering loved ones; celebrate the good memories instead of ruminating that they’re no longer around. If you find yourself withdrawing from activities you once found pleasurable, force yourself to do them again. This is one of the best ways to break the downward spiral of depression. Don’t turn to alcohol or other drugs for relief. While in the short term substances tend to make a person feel better, difficulties aren’t addressed.