Medical Minute: Holiday blues
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The holiday season is a festive and fun time of year for many, but for those who struggle with anxiety and depression, holiday blues can be challenging to manage. For tips on navigating difficulties brought by holiday blues we turn to Montage Medical Group psychiatrist Dr. Murtuza Gunja.
“There is societal pressure to feel happiness and joy during this time of year and not everyone feels that way,” Gunja says. “The social stressor of feeling like you need to commit or overcommit to a lot of activities can put a lot of strain on people.”
Financial pressure and family commitments are among contributors that can cause the holiday blues. To manage stress, Gunja says it is important to keep a consistent daily routine, engage in enjoyable hobbies and activities, and practice mindfulness and breathing exercises.
“Set realistic expectations for budgeting how much you can afford for gifts, how much you can commit to meeting with friends and family during this time,” Gunja says.
Knowing when to reach out is also important. “If you are struggling with anxiety or depression and know it is going to be a difficult time of year, reach out to your provider, whether they are a therapist or doctor, and schedule more check-ins during this time.”
