Holiday Depression and Stress

Keep expectations for the holiday season manageable by not trying to make the holiday “the best ever.”
Try to set realistic goals. Pace yourself. Organize your time. Make a list and prioritize the most important activities. Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Do not spend too much time preparing for just one day.
Make a list of some upcoming social expectations people many have of you. Consider how you feel about meeting those expectations and then make your decision as to how to respond. You do not have to please others.
Remember that the holiday season does not automatically banish reasons for feeling sad or lonely: there is room for these feelings to be present, even if the person chooses not to express them.
Let go of the past. Don’t de disappointed if your holidays are not like they use to be. Life brings changes. Each holiday season is different and can be enjoyed in its own way. You set yourself up for sadness if everything has to be just like the “good old days.”
Think of what is really meaningful for you at this time of year. What traditions would you like to keep and which ones can you let go?
Consider establishing new family traditions – or new traditions just for you.
Do something for someone else – it works.
Enjoy Holiday activities that are free of money and stress – Such as driving around and looking at the Christmas lights.
Avoid excesses. Don’t eat too much. Don’t deprive yourself of sleep. Don’t spend too much.
Spend time with people who support and care about you. Make new friends if you think that you will be alone on Thanksgiving and Christmas and not like it too much. Contact people that you may have lost touch with.
Save some time and energy for yourself. Don’t spend all your energy on taking care of everyone else.
Keep a sense of humor. Being alive is a good reason to enjoy what you can.