December should be a month of joy and celebration as Christmas and the New Year approach, but for those who suffer from loneliness, depression and other mental health issues, the holiday season can be particularly difficult.
Many people feel the expectation of being happy during this time, but Christmas depression is a common experience, you are not alone.
Keep mental health up to date
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that 5.8% of Brazilians suffer from depression and, in the month of December, people tend to become even more melancholy or depressed. So what do you do when the world around you is exuding cheer and joy and you feel blue?
If you already have a diagnosis of depression, one of the most important things you can do this holiday season is stay on top of your treatment plan. Do not neglect mental and physical care during this period.
If certain meditations, exercises, or therapies help you, be sure to make them a priority, even if you’re on vacation. If you haven’t been diagnosed with depression but feel that you are showing signs of
sadness and low spirits, or if for whatever reason you are struggling to cope with your mental health, seek help.
2023 and the depression in December
In 2020, especially due to the pandemic, we had an aggravating factor called social isolation, which is one of the biggest predictors of depression. One of the best ways to deal with isolation is to ask your family and friends for support.
You can also ask your therapist to help you figure out where your feelings are coming from and develop solutions to overcome them.
In depression it is common to have depressed mood, low energy, irritability or anxiety, change in appetite, among other symptoms. To improve mood, it is advisable to practice self-care, eat a healthy diet, and maintain a regular pattern of physical activity.
How to relieve?
A regular exercise routine can help relieve stress, and being more fit can help boost self-esteem. In addition, exercise increases your brain’s levels of the same chemicals used in antidepressant medications.
If you’ve already developed these habits, be careful not to let them go at Christmas. Amidst the whirlwind of the festive season, remember the essentials, take care of your mental health.
