Holiday Blues

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Holiday Blues

Psalms 9:9 – The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

For most, the holiday season is filled with happiness, celebrations, rejoicing, and social gatherings with friends and family. And for others, it can be a time of sadness, loneliness, and finding ways to cope with it. The holiday can trigger these sorrowful emotions for a number of reasons. You may not be able to visit family, you might have gone through a separation, a loved one has passed, or you’re in a tough financial situation.

For whatever reason, seeing others in joyful moods can be tough to see. It could also be tough feeling like you are going through it alone. Depression during the holidays is more common than you think and it’s important to know you are not alone. There are ways to manage your depression and get the help you need. 

Where To Start

It’s no fun feeling overwhelmed and not just during the holidays. Finding ways to deal with the holiday blues and work through your feelings could be the start of a fresh life and relationship with yourself.

Start by:

  • Setting realistic holiday goals/expectations.
  • Learning to say “no.”
  • Limit alcohol consumption.
  • Volunteering if you feel lonely.
  • Not isolating yourself from the outside world.
  • Exercising more and spending time outside.
  • Look to the future with optimism.
  • Reaching out to friends and family.
  • Praying.

Pray

When you’re battling depression or the holiday blues don’t be afraid to reach out to others. Depression is a physical, mental and spiritual condition. The word of God can be a tool to give you the power to stand up and take action.  When you feel a heavy dark cloud hovering over you, begin to pray. Pray for yourself, your family and friends, and others who live with depression.

Here is a prayer from Mary Southerland to help you escape from that moment of depression:

"Lord, it seems as if my world has collapsed, hurling me into a deep, dark pit. I come to you in complete surrender. I am desperate for you, helpless and afraid. Please lift me out of this pit and show me the way, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen"  

Prayer by Thomas Merton

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does, in fact, please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

The Light in the Darkness

Mental illness is definitely no joke. These tips and prayers are just a start and in no way replaces professional help from a licensed physician. If you feel like you are not getting better after the holiday season you may need to explore other treatment options from professionals; take the time to talk to your doctor or mental health professional.

The Open Door offers free classes in Cisco to members of the community seeking help in different areas in their lives. We offer Griefshare classes done individually or in a group, parenting classes, relationship counseling, self-help classes, and several life skills courses. We are a faith-based, life-affirming pregnancy and family center that provides resources, mentoring and education for life skills. Give us a call at 254-442-3000 or visit our website at www.supportopendoor.org for more information.

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