How To Deal With The Holiday Blues
December 21st, 2011 
Carol 
For the 21 million Americans ages 15 to 44 impacted by depression each year, the holidays can be overwhelming with extra responsibilities, expectations and stress. While many are filled with cheer and goodwill toward others and hopes for the new year, for others, this is a time of sadness, depression and loneliness, and a time of family or financial stress. Every day is a fight to cope with or overcome the holiday blues.
Switchboard of Miami, Inc., the area’s leading provider of telephone counseling, information, referral and crisis intervention services, is available to provide support and guidance to those grappling with such challenges during the holiday season — and every day — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A team of trained counselors provides assistance in English, Spanish and Creole and other languages as well to those calling 305-358-HELP or 2-1-1. All services are provided confidentially and anonymously without charge to the caller.
To help combat the “blues,” these tips are offered:
1. Keep Healthy. Avoid alcohol or substance use, which can lead to further, deepened depression. Try to avoid eating too many cookies, candies, cakes, etc. Such sugar binges can create feelings of lethargy, similar to an emotional crash. Take a walk. Go to the beach. Listen to music.
2. Enjoy the moment. If opportunities arise to talk to family members or friends about challenges, then talk about the solutions instead of just focusing on the negative sides of situations. Do not wallow in the what-if’s of yesterday.
3. Maintain a holiday budget. While gift giving is fun, going beyond one’s means may backfire with depression when the bill arrives later.
4. Try to get over it. Holding resentments is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Look at what can be done before family gatherings to let go of the tension. Clearing emotional space will make for a more pleasant time with those family members.
5. Explore your spirituality. Visit a house of worship or a non-denominational gathering to gain some perspective and think beyond your own issues.
6. Acknowledge your feelings. The healing process begins when you admit that your emotions are creating issues. Then pick up the phone and call for help.
Switchboard of Miami, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in the State of Florida. Last year, Switchboard answered nearly 170,000 calls, reassured 700 seniors who live alone and helped 5,000 youth make better life choices.
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