Experiencing Holiday Blues? Here’s How to Handle It

For some, the holidays may be a period of sadness, stress, anxiety, and worry. These feelings may intensify during the festive season because of the difference in what we expect the holidays to look like, versus what the holidays turn out to be.

You may feel guilty or ashamed for being down during this period, but you are not alone. It’s okay to feel this way. The holiday blues are a common phenomenon, and many others may be feeling it too.

What Causes Holiday Blues?

There may be various triggers that bring about this downward turn in one's mood. It could be because of loneliness and being unable to meet up with close loved ones, particularly due to the pandemic; or due to being overly critical of oneself, as the year comes to an end.

The holidays may also trigger a memory or a time from previous years where you might have experienced negative encounters with loved ones during reunions. Holiday blues may even worsen if we have the tendency to compare glamorous photos on social media against our own lives.

What can I do about it?

There are a few things you can do, to manage your mood during the holidays:

1. Keep an open mind

Instead of clinging onto expectations on how the holidays should look like, reframe your mindset and keep an open mind to welcoming new experiences. You may end up being surprised by how much fun you have!

2. Reach out to friends

Isolating yourself can lead to greater feelings of sadness. Even if you don't feel up for a face-to-face meeting, why not drop a friend a text or schedule a phone call to catch up? Speaking to someone, even if it's not about your feelings, can help to improve your mood tremendously.

3. Get some fresh air

Spending some time outside, especially in nature, helps to clear our minds. Stretch your legs with a nice stroll outdoors, and remember to do some deep breathing while you're at it.

Ultimately, there is no "correct" way of feeling during the holidays, and you shouldn't feel pressured to display a certain mood if you're not feeling that way. However, if you need someone to talk to, we're here to support you through it. Reach out to a doctor or trained mental health expert anytime over the DA app, for help over this festive season.