Health Feature Articles
Those Holiday Blues
Gail Carlson, MPH, Ph.D., Continuing Medical Education, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia
True or false: Feeling "let down" (sad, tired,
lacking in energy) after the holidays is usually a sign
that the holidays were disappointing, unpleasant or did
not meet expectations?
Many people will answer "true" when asked this
question. The holidays can be a time of joy, fun, and
excitement. They can also be tiring, disappointing and
tension packed. People sometimes feel "blue" or let down
during or immediately after the holidays. It is easy to
assume that these feelings are a sign that the holiday
did not go well; that changes need to be made. That
might be one explanation. However, that "let down"
feeling may be nothing more than your body's need to
relax and recuperate after a very busy and hectic
schedule.
During the holidays, there are many events, activities, and people that act as stressors. Stressors are anything that causes stress. Some stressors are caused by negative events while others are the result of things that we look forward to.
Negative stressors that
can occur around the holidays are family arguments,
disappointment over gifts, concern about spending too
much money, loneliness, not being able to get home for
the holidays, not enough sleep, too many people. But,
events that we truly look forward to can also be
stressful -- visiting with friends and families, playing
with grandchildren who you don't see very often,
wrapping gifts, preparing food, decorating the house,
eating favorite or special food, and the change of
routine and pace.
It is important to remember that some people do truly
become depressed during the holidays. Holidays are not a
magical cure for people who are lonely and sad. The best
gift you might be able to give someone who is depressed
is the assurance that you don't expect him/her to
automatically feel better because it is a holiday.
Encourage involvement in holiday activities and events,
but give that person some space and permission to leave
when they feel they need to.
For the rest of us the major concern is stress
overload. Stress can be caused by a single major event
such as the disappointment that occurs when an
unexpected ice storm keeps family members away from a
planned gathering. It can also result when
little things pie up, even things we enjoy -- too many parties,
late evenings, the added tension of having house guests,
time schedules, a change in routine, etc. The body needs
a chance to recover from stress. Without these rest
periods, individuals are more susceptible to emotional
tension and physical illness. There is also more risk of
a breakdown in family communication.
While there are some things that are beyond our
control, there are things we can do to keep holiday
stress in check.
- Keep expectations for the holiday season manageable. Don't try to make it "the best ever."
- Make a list and prioritize the most important activities. Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Pace yourself. Organize your time.
- Establish a budget and stick to it! Don't forget to add the cost of all those special holiday foods that you plan to prepare.
- Enjoy holiday activities that are free such as driving around to look at decorations or go window-shopping without buying anything.
- Don't drink too much. Excessive drinking will only make you tired and depressed.
- Spend time with people who are supportive and who care about you. Make new friends during special times when you are alone.
- Recognize that life brings change. The holidays don't need to be just like they were in the "good old days" to be enjoyable. Develop some new family traditions. Celebrate the holidays in a way you have not done before.
- Find time for yourself! Don't spend all your time providing activities for your family and friends.
Before jumping to the conclusion that those post-holiday
blues are a sign that something did not go well,
remember that this reaction may be nothing more than
your body relaxing and returning to a pre-stress stage.
If the holidays weren't what you expected, talk it over
with your family and make some changes. On the other
hand, if you enjoyed your holidays but still have that
"let down" feeling, try to relax and just accept your
body and mind's need to recuperate after an exciting and
fun filled time.
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Last Updated 05/05/2009
