Christmas, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” or so marketers would have us believe, however for many the lead up to Christmas holidays and then the New Year are not the most wonderful time of the year, but perhaps the most dreadful time of the year.
If the season is looming, therapy for Christmas depression and New Year blues can help you emotionally and practically to face, this difficult time.
Christmas Depression: Why is it stressful for some?
- Alone again, when all around you are paired up or with family and friends
- Dreading the family gatherings and the awful clashes of personalities mixed with too much drink and in too close a proximity and feeling unable to escape
- The first year following the death of a partner, a parent, a child or a miscarriage
- The cost of it all, the expectations and the pressure from others or from yourself
It can be a shock to find that you no longer look forward to the festive season, as you once did. Situations and events might make the run up to the festive holidays more stressful or emotionally uncomfortable following previous events, a relationship has broken down; someone close has died or perhaps you are alone in a new city or even a new country. What is there to celebrate?
New Year Blues: New beginnings or more of the same?
For some the New Year brings new opportunities, fresh starts and the promise of adventure.
However, this is not the story for all of us. New Year’s day can be a rude awakening for many:
- Time is marching on and I’m still stuck here doing ‘this’
- I don’t love my partner/ parents/ siblings – the last few weeks have been hell
- I’ve just spent money I couldn’t afford to and now feel guilty and stressed
- It’s a new year and I’ve still got my old life and the same problems
- It’s dark, it’s cold: I’m depressed
The Winter Blues, January Blues, SAD (seasonal effective disorder) whatever you call it, effects millions of Britons every year. Some people genuinely have a medical condition that is triggered by the cold, dark grey days of a British winter.
Therapy for Christmas Holiday Depression and the New Year Blues
Christmas Holidays and facing the new year can trigger all manner of internal emotions. Events with partners, children, family and friends can all cause you to reflect on your life and feelings and think about ‘how you can change things’.
It takes courage to say, ‘Enough, I can’t do this anymore’ and to go out and find a solution. Sometimes you need a helping hand to guide you to new beginnings and alternatives to what has been.
Talking to a therapist about your ‘dread’ or ‘resentment’ or ‘fear’ or ‘sadness’ can help you to consider how you might approach the Christmas Holidays and the approaching New Year with positive actions that help you to stay in control of situations and make plans to have the holiday and new year you want and not to live it for others.
Therapy to help you prepare for Christmas Holidays (with less stress) and a Happy New Year
Don’t wait another year, struggling through and putting on a brave face. Talking with one of the City Therapy Rooms therapists could help you to prepare and even enjoy the coming festivities and to approach 2024 with a positive and hopeful outlook.
