How to Handle The Holiday Blues

Thousands of Americans will feel the "holiday blues" because of unrealistic expectations, the loss of a loved one or another significant reason, said Jay Zimmerman, associate director of Ball State’s Counseling Center.

"The holidays are very stressful for some people," he said. "We are under a lot of pressure, both emotional and financial. We might be spending more than we can afford or wishing our family gatherings were more like we long for or remember from when we were children."

Other factors contributing to a more stressful holiday season this year may be the loss of a job by one or more family members or a friend or relative in the military stationed in Afghanistan or Iraq, Zimmerman said.

To manage the holiday blues, Zimmerman suggests several simple steps, including:

· Avoid or reduce alcohol consumption. Liquor is a depressant that can deepen existing emotional problems.

· Create new family traditions that will enhance any gathering.

· Include exercise in the daily routine. A walk in the sunlight will add energy and help people battle Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

· Leave uncomfortable or somber holiday gatherings. Don’t stay in a bad situation that makes you feel worse.

· Maintain close friendships and confide in those you trust. Talking about your feelings will help reduce or eliminate the blues.

· Read one of the dozens of books on the market to discover stress-busting tips.

· Change expectations by realizing that no holiday gathering is perfect.

Zimmerman advises those who have feelings of depression lasting more than two weeks to seek professional advice.

Symptoms of depression may include sleeplessness or sleeping too much, a lack of appetite, inability to concentrate and feeling hopeless.

"The holidays are always challenging," Zimmerman said. "They can be as wonderful as they are stressful. Just take a deep breath and do your best to get through them."