It's easy this time of year for people to get stressed out, depressed or fall into bad patterns of behavior. It's especially prevalent in the work I do and helping people cope with this time of year.
I don't like to dispense advice even in real-life practice (telling people what to do is actually not the job of a therapist) so I'm less inclined to give advice over the Internet...but I do help people identify more "tools" to put in their coping tool boxes for this busy time of year.
So let's begin. Some of this is common sense but we all know that's not so common.
First do not neglect biological and medical needs. Sleeping well, trying to eat well despite all the glutton that's around, and exercising is key. Make time for it. Make an effort. If ya make time for 365, you can make time to tend to your needs. Lack of sleep, poor eating, and no exercise contributes to or exacerbates depression no matter what time of year.
Get your vitamin D. Seriously. A lot of people's vitamin D levels drop around this time. Lack of D can disrupt sleep, make one irritable and tired all the time. Also lack of the other D, can make Mrs. Claus pretty cranky sooooo.... Get yer stockings filled if you can. In other words...sex is a good activity and fun. Do it if it brings you joy lol.
Set realistic expectations for yourself and what you expect of others. Set boundaries and limits for yourself. Emotional ones too. Don't go to all the parties if you just can't. Don't promise to bake a thousand holiday cookies if you can't. Etc. etc.
Take everything in stride, one day at a time...one minute at a time, if you have to.
Lastly...what to do or say if someone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety...
Well, there is no right thing to say. Try to avoid platitudes if you can because sometimes - although well intentioned - they aren't as helpful. By platitudes, I mean things like "I'm here/call me if you need me". Or "I understand what you're going through." While it's natural to say and it doesn't actually hurt to say it to another, in some ways they are empty offers. The "let me know what you need" offer is sometimes really hard for the depressed person to answer or respond to. Some improvements to these are:
Saying you want to call in or check in with someone at a specific time instead of leaving it up to them to call if needed. Because truth probably is...they need someone all the time. Thing is, make sure you follow through on those promises. Another thing is physically helping if you can and circumstances allow. We've all seen those commercials about depression physically hurting. It's true. People might need help picking up the kids or cleaning. Perhaps offer those tangible things instead of vague generalities. The other person may not even realize or be able to articulate those are things that seem most difficult to do.
Another suggestion... Let them know you're thinking about them and acknowledge that they must be going through something difficult. Ask them if they feel like sharing what they feel and THEN offer how you have been able to relate or "know" what they're going through.
Listening is always a good thing too.
Of course, please take this all with a grain of salt. I am a professional but certainly not an expert. And if you're feeling down and out this time of year...reach out. There are more people out there willing to help you. More people than you realize....
Pic taken this morning on my train. Hoping I don't have a stressful day at work but certainly not holding my breath! Happy Wednesday and take care of yourselves!
Thanks for the tip. I am definitely in need of more sleep. I'm somewhat of a night owl. Even on nights where I plan on getting more sleep, I find myself looking at the clock only to see that it's already 2:00 am. More sleep, more exercise. I'll work on it.
By the way, really nice shot. I like the rays of sunlight.
@paulie sleep is so important!! It amazes me how many people have poor sleep hygiene - drinking caffeine too late in the day, not shutting down stimuli (phone/Internet/etc) for a good half hour before sleeping, etc.
@fauxtography365 It's not that I can't sleep. I just don't. I've been like this since college. Like I said, I really need to change my sleeping habit. Speaking of which, it's 12:40 am. I should get to bed.
By the way, really nice shot. I like the rays of sunlight.
@area2 thanks!