Overcoming the Holiday Blues
Overcoming the Holiday Blues
December 11, 2019
Individuals experiencing anxiety or depression during the holidays are certainly not alone. According to the Fulton County Director of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, LaTrina Foster, the “Holiday Blues” is common for individuals.
The “Holiday Blues” in some cases can be linked to financial stress due to unrealistic expectations or plans related to gift-giving, the grief of loved ones lost, memories, fatigue, tension, loneliness or isolation,” says Foster. Individuals who also suffer from Seasonal affective disorder due to less sunlight during winter months can also see symptoms worsen.
Foster suggests the following for coping with the Holiday Blues:
• Don’t pretend to be happy; acknowledge your feelings, and don’t force yourself to fit society’s standards when celebrating holidays or special days.
• Reduce associations with toxic family or social relationships.
• Be realistic about your finances when gift-giving and hosting family parties; you can host a potluck meal where guests can bring a dish that can include a white elephant gift exchange where family members, friends, and co-workers can exchange inexpensive, but usable gifts. You can also refrain from spending too much money by leaving your credit cards at home and sticking to a daily budget.
• Don’t isolate yourself; carry out personal acts of kindness for friends, family members or neighbors. They may need the positive reinforcement during this holiday season. Also, consider relatives, friends, and seniors who may be facing unwarranted isolation due to health limitations and do not have affordable transportation.
• Make the decision to eat healthier during the holidays, and if necessary, avoid or reduce your alcohol intake. Alcohol is a depressant that can affect our thoughts, feelings, and actions, making you more likely to get the blues.
Foster adds a word of caution for those experiencing feelings of depression even after the holidays. “I urge individuals who experience continuing depression or sadness to call one of our Behavioral Health offices for assistance and remember that children can experience depression too. We offer help for all ages.”
Individuals and families can live happier, healthier lives by seeking help. "If you know someone struggling with stress or sadness, help is available. Free and low cost therapy is offered for children and adults living throughout Fulton County."
Individuals, parents, and families can contact the following offices:
Adult Behavioral Health
• The Center for Health & Rehabilitation; 265 Boulevard, NE Atlanta, GA 30312; 404-665-8600
• North Fulton Service Center; Behavioral Health; 7741 Roswell Road, NE, Suite B Sandy Springs, GA 404-665-8650
• South Fulton Service Center; 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park, Georgia 30349; 404-665-8700
Child and Adolescent & Emerging Adult (18-24) Behavioral Health
• Adamsville Regional Health Center; 3700 Martin Luther King Jr., Drive, Atlanta, GA 30331; 404-612-9339
• Oak Hill Child, Adolescent & Family Center 2805 Metropolitan Parkway SW, Atlanta; GA 30315; 404-612-4111
• North Fulton Service Center; 7741 Roswell Road, NE, Suite B, Sandy Springs, GA 30350; 404-613-1656
• Fulton County Clubhouse for Youth; 1480 Delowe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30311; 404-612-7115
The “Holiday Blues” in some cases can be linked to financial stress due to unrealistic expectations or plans related to gift-giving, the grief of loved ones lost, memories, fatigue, tension, loneliness or isolation,” says Foster. Individuals who also suffer from Seasonal affective disorder due to less sunlight during winter months can also see symptoms worsen.
Foster suggests the following for coping with the Holiday Blues:
• Don’t pretend to be happy; acknowledge your feelings, and don’t force yourself to fit society’s standards when celebrating holidays or special days.
• Reduce associations with toxic family or social relationships.
• Be realistic about your finances when gift-giving and hosting family parties; you can host a potluck meal where guests can bring a dish that can include a white elephant gift exchange where family members, friends, and co-workers can exchange inexpensive, but usable gifts. You can also refrain from spending too much money by leaving your credit cards at home and sticking to a daily budget.
• Don’t isolate yourself; carry out personal acts of kindness for friends, family members or neighbors. They may need the positive reinforcement during this holiday season. Also, consider relatives, friends, and seniors who may be facing unwarranted isolation due to health limitations and do not have affordable transportation.
• Make the decision to eat healthier during the holidays, and if necessary, avoid or reduce your alcohol intake. Alcohol is a depressant that can affect our thoughts, feelings, and actions, making you more likely to get the blues.
Foster adds a word of caution for those experiencing feelings of depression even after the holidays. “I urge individuals who experience continuing depression or sadness to call one of our Behavioral Health offices for assistance and remember that children can experience depression too. We offer help for all ages.”
Individuals and families can live happier, healthier lives by seeking help. "If you know someone struggling with stress or sadness, help is available. Free and low cost therapy is offered for children and adults living throughout Fulton County."
Individuals, parents, and families can contact the following offices:
Adult Behavioral Health
• The Center for Health & Rehabilitation; 265 Boulevard, NE Atlanta, GA 30312; 404-665-8600
• North Fulton Service Center; Behavioral Health; 7741 Roswell Road, NE, Suite B Sandy Springs, GA 404-665-8650
• South Fulton Service Center; 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park, Georgia 30349; 404-665-8700
Child and Adolescent & Emerging Adult (18-24) Behavioral Health
• Adamsville Regional Health Center; 3700 Martin Luther King Jr., Drive, Atlanta, GA 30331; 404-612-9339
• Oak Hill Child, Adolescent & Family Center 2805 Metropolitan Parkway SW, Atlanta; GA 30315; 404-612-4111
• North Fulton Service Center; 7741 Roswell Road, NE, Suite B, Sandy Springs, GA 30350; 404-613-1656
• Fulton County Clubhouse for Youth; 1480 Delowe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30311; 404-612-7115