HOLIDAY STRESS!
The holidays are a very good time to address the topic of depression, especially now with the state of our present economy. I heard on the news this morning that one in six Americans are on food stamps. One in SIX! I can only imagine the anxiety level of our population right now. And since anxiety and depression go hand in hand, depression may well be on the rampage!
Here are a few suggestions for coping with depression throuh the holiday season:
Here are a few suggestions for coping with depression throuh the holiday season:
- Do not bite off more than you can chew. If you cannot afford gifts for a large, extended family and friends, pare down your list to the very most important ones on the list. On our list, that is the children. For the others, how about a handmade creation like cookies or fudge? Or if you are crafty, how about a Christmas ornament or inexpensive item. I guarantee it will be treasured for your thoughtfulness. You might go to Michael's Craft Store to get ideas.
- Keep Christmas realistic with kids. If all you can afford is one or two gifts, be honest with them so they will have realistic expectations.
- Consider going together as a husband and wife and buying something you need or want around the house. That removes the pressure of trying to surprise your spouse with somthing they don't really need or want.
- If your children's classes have gift exchanges , stick with the suggested amount, be it $10 or less.
- Again, all of those extra gifts to your kids's teachers, etc. can be homemade cookies, fudge, an ornament, etc. Simplify as much as possible to take the pressure off.
- Consider only putting up some of your Christmas decorations and rotating every year. It will save you time and you won't get tired of them and give in to the urge to buy new decorations every year.
- Suggest a gift exchange drawing in your extended family so you can limit your shopping and spending to one gift.
- Take the time to watch some heartwarming Christmas movies that run during the holidays. They really lift the spirits.
Depression-Free Living
For an indepth, thoroughly researched book on depression, consider reading my book on Amazon, Depression-Free Living: The 21st Century Guide to Beating the Blues on Your Own by Janis Elaine Cates. It is 300 pages of helpful information and tools on skill-building for beating depression.
I used to be a frequent depression sufferer, but since developing this method, I have permanently overcome the painful mood disorder that seemed so insurmountable. Now I cannot even imagine feeling that way anymore since the skills become second nature with use.
Another helpful book I have made available on Amazon is Awakening Your Inner Strengths. We all have them. Sometimes we just have to give them a little nudge. It is a helpful guide guaranteed to improve the quality of your life in every way.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Keep the Faith!
Janis Elaine Cates
[email protected]
I used to be a frequent depression sufferer, but since developing this method, I have permanently overcome the painful mood disorder that seemed so insurmountable. Now I cannot even imagine feeling that way anymore since the skills become second nature with use.
Another helpful book I have made available on Amazon is Awakening Your Inner Strengths. We all have them. Sometimes we just have to give them a little nudge. It is a helpful guide guaranteed to improve the quality of your life in every way.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Keep the Faith!
Janis Elaine Cates
[email protected]