Merry vs. misery - how to beat the holiday blues

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"The festive season idealises all of all society's warmest emotions. Through advertisements and marketing, the ideal family, ideal relationships and ideal holidays are presented to us constantly. However, in reality, many of us may not have a sense of belonging with our families, may have difficult relationships, lost close family members, be experiencing financial strain while trying to manage the expectation of buying gifts or going on holiday. Most often, we are quite burnt out, tired and stressed by the end of the year," explains Tamryn Coats, counselling psychologist and researcher at Akeso Specialised Psychiatric Clinics.

Symptoms

Indicative of end-of-the-year blues, are symptoms such as withdrawing from social activities, for example not wanting to attend end-of-year functions or socials with friends; feeling a greater sense frustration, anger or irritability and a feeling of hopelessness or despair, especially regarding the future. More tell tale signs are a difficulty in concentrating, feelings of worthlessness and a constant sense of sadness, where one does not understand why one feels that way, one simply does, or thoughts of death and suicide. Individuals may also feel very emotional, often tearful; experience changes in sleep patterns (often sleeping more and still feeling tired, but sometimes also sleeping less or struggling to fall asleep), as well as change in eating habits (either over-eating or having a lack of appetite). Often individuals also have intense feelings of anger about small and insignificant events such as traffic or shopping queues.

Treatment

Medication and treatment (very specific to each person) may also bring relief. However, often a combination of medication and psychotherapy works best where individuals talk to a psychologist once a week, more if needed, about their feelings and what coping mechanisms/skills they can employ to help them cope during times of difficulty, while a psychiatrist will cater to their particular needs in these instances by prescribing medication.

Support systems

Trying to find a support system for this time of year can go a long way to alleviate feelings of loneliness, depression and despair. "Find someone or a group to talk to and have your feelings expressed and heard by a compassionate person. There are many people who struggle during this time of year, especially if it reminds them of a lost loved one, and joining a support group or going for psychotherapy does not only give you a greater sense of belonging, it can also provide friends with common understanding to prevent a sense of loneliness.

"Where possible, try to keep active and busy with a regular routine so you don't stay home alone with your own thoughts mulling in your mind constantly. If you're an active person, keep going to gym regularly, or consider starting a hobby to create or make something over the festive season," concludes Coats.