Symptoms of depression often worsen during December and January in Ohio. The gloomy days with very little sunlight, cold temperatures, and often less physical activity all contribute to feelings of sadness. The holiday season can also contribute to symptoms of depression. We can feel isolated if we have no friends or family or have poor relationships with them. This year, the pandemic rages on and we may have grief and loss on top of the regular holiday stressors. If a friend or family member has died this year for any reason, the holidays can be especially difficult. Finances also take their toll when we cannot gift people the way we would like to, or even worse, if we are facing extreme financial hardship and struggling to keep it all together.
Depression is often defined as a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness. We may be feeling very hopeless and helpless right now. So much of the past year has been out of our control. Take a moment and assess what is truly in your control? We can control our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can assists in figuring out the connections between what we think, feel, and do.
This holiday season take a moment to engage in positive activities. Do something that you enjoy doing. If you can share the activity remotely with a friend or family member, even better.
Take the time to explore your emotions. Are there ways to replace the negative feelings with positive ones? Listening to music can often trigger emotions. So find some music that will trigger positive emotions and avoid negative triggers.
Explore your thoughts. Write them down. Recognize negative thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts. Replace negative self-statements with positive self-statements. Be kind to yourself and others.
If the symptoms of depression do not lift, please reach out for help. Most therapy options in Ohio can now be accessed on-line. Rainbow Counseling Center can provide on-line counseling services any where in Ohio. Staying connected as we stay apart is how we can be there for each other through these challenging times.