How to Deal With Post-Christmas Depression: Resolution of Depression

Understanding the nature of post-Christmas depression is important with respect to moving on with your life in the New Year.

Post-Christmas depression can be a major problem for many people, as the hype of Christmas gradually returns to some degree of normalcy. Some may not experience the same extreme highs and lows, but tend to feel let-down after Christmas. That may be masked post-Christmas depression.

Consider the following factors with respect to learning how to deal with post-Christmas depression.

Time of year:

With the shortest days of the year in December, the hours of darkness increase and the hours of daylight decrease, resulting in reduced sunlight exposure. This can affect your serotonin level and result in post-Christmas depression. In January, the days begin to get longer again.

Is your serotonin level low? 

Perhaps you might benefit from increased exposure to the sun, which will act as a mood elevator for you and others. Increasing your exposure to sunlight can help to increase your serotonin levels, as well as improve your mood. Even exposure to artificial indoor light can make a difference.   

Other important hormonal factors:

Having positive, close personal relationships with others, relates to hormones that affect your mood. They can help to resolve post-Christmas depression. In other words, building and maintaining positive relationships after the holiday season is over, will make you and others feel better.   

The article “10 quick tips to boost your serotonin” suggests,   

“Oxytocin is another feel good hormone often called the “cuddle hormone”.

Oxytocin is released when we feel love, trust and comfort. It can be more powerful than serotonin. If you need a lift, remember the power of spending time with your significant other, family members and friends.

Cold weather:

Cold winter weather is invigorating for some people, but for others it may seem intolerable, as it limits their activities and confines them to their homes. This can result in post-Christmas depression, either directly or indirectly. Making a serious effort to dress warmly, go out and enjoy the cold weather is important. It is possible to reduce or alleviate post-Christmas depression by planning a holiday or social events that encourage outdoor activity, regardless of the weather.

Remember that there are people in the southern hemisphere who experience extremely hot weather in the post-Christmas period. For them, finding relief from the heat can help to reduce their post-Christmas depression.

Disappointment with respect to Christmas and/or New Years:

Did you have high expectations with respect to celebrating Christmas and New Years? Many people are disappointed. It is possible that your holiday season disappointments relates to with problematic, social planning? Begin to make positive plans for the coming Christmas and New Year. In other words, be proactive and make things happen that will not disappoint you or others, next Christmas.

Familial concerns:

Christmas obligations like having to visit everyone and give them presents can be stressful and lead to post-Christmas depression, particularly when relationships are less than desirable. Be aware that you do not have to do so, even though it seems like the right thing to do.

Many family concerns and issues can arise and cause disappointment leading to post-Christmas depression. These need to be resolved as soon as possible, particularly if they are causing you to be depressed. You may need to seek the assistance of other family members or friends in this regard.

Remember that there is ‘joy’ and ‘freedom’ in the message of the Christmas spirit and should not result in feelings of guilt, oppression or depression. Even with loss and grief, either expressed or experienced, post-Christmas should be a time of resolution that leads to healing.

Financial concerns:

Many concerns including overspending for Christmas can arise and lead to financial problems and result in post-Christmas depression. In retrospect, financial concerns often prove to be the direct result of poor, financial planning and management. Spur of the moment spending can cause heavy credit card debt that demands resolution.

Beginning the New Year with a new budget can help to eliminate the same kinds of concerns with respect to another Christmas. Curb spending to needs, rather than wants and set up a debt repayment program.

Health status:

Your health status is important both during and after the holiday season, but like most others, you have probably over-indulged and put on a few pounds. Taking a serious look at your post-Christmas health status will be a major factor in terms of dealing with depression. Healthy, well-motivated, proactive people are far less likely to be depressed.

Appropriate meal planning geared to weight loss or management is vital in terms of getting your health status re-stabilized. Vitamins can play a major role in the management of post-Christmas depression. Increasing your activity and exercise can help to resolve and eliminate post-Christmas depression.   

Expectations for the New Year:

Entering into the New Year with high expectations and positive motivation proves helpful to most people. Goal setting can be beneficial in terms of moving beyond post-Christmas depression. Taking on new and different projects will help to relieve winter boredom, as well as lead you into making new friendships.    

Taking all of the above into consideration makes dealing with post-Christmas depression sound easy. There are times when a physical or health assessment is a good idea to consider. If post-Christmas depression continues for any length of time, consulting a physician or a professional health care counselor is advisable.