Post-Holiday Blues: When to Seek Help

Everyone loves the holiday season, and it’s the time of the year when we get to spend time with friends, and family, and indulge in a variety of different festive activities. But once the festivities are over, and it’s time to return to our regular routine, a lot of people begin to feel sad and disconnected. 

This is often referred to as the post-holiday blues. If you’re struggling with feelings of sadness, loneliness, or even depression, you’re not alone. This article will explore why people experience this type of depression, how to cope with it, and when to seek a professional. 

Why Do People Experience Post-Holiday Blues? 

Understanding the post-holiday blues is the first step in coping with them. The first Monday of the New Year marks the abrupt end to the excitement of festivities and the return to our daily routine without the holiday cheer.  

And with shorter, darker days and colder weather, many people can experience feelings of isolation and loneliness. 

The holiday season also often entails more socializing, more food, and more alcohol than usual. Not to mention the significant amount of gift-giving, all of which can lead to financial strain and feelings of overwhelm.  

People can often experience a sense of guilt for indulging too much during the holiday season. These feelings can often lead to the pressure of quickly getting back on track to avoid more significant concerns from creeping up. 

How to Ease the Feeling of Post-Holiday Blues? 

The post-holiday blues can be a tough way to start the new year. Fortunately, there are a number of tips to help beat the post-holiday blues. 

One of the most helpful tips to ease the feeling of post-holiday blues is to set some goals for yourself. Goal setting is an essential tool that can help you feel motivated and inspired by the things you want to achieve.  

These goals don’t have to be massive; they could be as simple as reading more books, starting a new hobby, or doing some home organization. Accomplishing small actions will boost your sense of achievement and uplift your mood.  

It’s also essential to stay in touch with friends and family, especially those who are positive and uplifting. Communication with loved ones can help individuals develop a sense of belonging and purpose, and thus alleviate feelings of isolation. 

Doing things that make you happy can also assist in elevating your mood. This can be going for a walk, booking a staycation, practicing good self-care, or trying a new restaurant.  

It doesn’t have to be expensive – finding pleasure in the little things is vital. Go for regular walks and exercise, which release endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. 

When to Seek Help for the Post-Holiday Blues 

It’s important to note that the holiday season can often exacerbate or bring up pre-existing mental health conditions. And that’s completely normal. However, if you find yourself struggling with post-holiday blues that seem to linger and impact your daily life, know that you are not alone.  

Experiencing depression, particularly seasonal affective disorder (SAD), this time of year is common. But it doesn’t have to define your quality of life. Seeking the help of a therapist can be a helpful step forward in managing your symptoms and regaining control over your emotional well-being.  

A therapist can provide you with tools and strategies to cope with your depression and support you in developing a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. With the right guidance and support, it is possible to overcome post-holiday blues and restore a sense of joy and fulfillment to your life. 

GoodTherapy is here to help. Our directory can help you find the right therapist for you, right in your local area.