I always get depressed over the holidays

Is it common to get depressed over the holidays? This is supposed to be a season of joy and happiness, but I don’t feel it. What can I do about it?

Advice: Many people suffer from bouts of depression or the blues at different times during the year. During the holiday season people encounter memories of loved ones they have lost through death or divorce or friends who have moved away. People experience stress and difficult family reunions over the holidays. Depression is a growing problem. In fact, psychologists have said that we live in an “age of depression.”

There are many causes for this mood disorder. Reasons for depression range from grief, divorce, major changes, lack of sunlight or physical exercise, a general disappointment with life or friends, low self-worth, relationship, spiritual or anger problems, false beliefs about life and God, trauma from the past, deficiency of neurological chemicals and more.

I recommend first of all – fixing your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of your faith. Why? Because our needs can only be met completely by Christ. He is the living water, the bread of life and has said that He has come to not only give eternal life but to give life more abundantly (John 10:10). I believe that when we are constantly growing in our relationship with Christ, we will experience that joy He promised in John 15:9-11,

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

I know personally that when I am obeying Christ and trusting in His love for me, I have an inner joy that overflows, a zest for living, and a love for other people.  Practically, here are some steps to help you cope and overcome the depression that might set-in after the holidays:

1. Read your Bible everyday for 15 or 20 minutes. Include the Psalms and the Gospels. These Scriptures will encourage you, renew your soul and spirit and help you get to know Christ more personally.

2. Pray about everything. Phillipians 4:6-7 says, ”Don’t be anxious about anything, but, through prayer and supplication make your requests known to God and the peace of God that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” When you pray, pray specifically. Write down your requests so that you can go back to read them later on and to see how God has answered you!

3. Do God’s will in your life. Love others. Think of some ways you can show your care and concern to others every day. That is God’s will. And talk about Christ to others. Talk about how much He means to you. Sharing your faith is God’s will. As you do God’s will, you will feel an inner satisfaction about your life… because you will be fulfilling God’s purpose in your life.

4. Stay in fellowship with other Christians. You need the encouragement of Christians in your life. They need your encouragement. You can grow spiritually and emotionally as you are encouraged and exhorted by other Christians.

5. Exercise. You need physical exercise to get your neurochemicals going which will help you feel good about life. It will also relieve stress and anxiety.

6. Get involved. Find something to do in which you can use your gifts, talents and abilities… this will bless others as well!

7. Plan some outings, events or activities which you really like to do intermittently throughout the year and especially the winter. Plan a short trip… or visit a local museum. You need things to look forward to.

8. Counseling: You may find that your depression does not lift and that you cannot shake it. If that occurs, then, contact AACC for a referral to a counseling professional in your area for further evaluation.

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