When some people think of the upcoming holiday season, it can bring negative thoughts and emotions to mind. The stress associated with holidays can contribute to depression, a mood disorder that makes you feel sad and disinterested in things you usually enjoy. If you're stressed and feel like you're starting to become depressed, the best response is to use a more active coping strategy in the way you're going to deal with your stress. Don't think that you're just going to have to "take it as it comes."
A more active coping strategy can include:
Exercise. Just 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week is enough to make a difference. Activities like yoga and tai chi, which slow things down and help you relax, are suitable for reducing stress.
Avoid binge eating or drinking. These may make you feel better temporarily, but they're not helpful. In addition to being physically harmful, they can make you feel guilty and worse about yourself. Overdoing alcohol can affect your sleep, make you sluggish the next day, and lead to addiction.
Avoid treating with substances. Substance use, such as marijuana, has more harmful effects than benefits. Recent research indicates that it can worsen depression and other mental health issues.
Sleep well. Making sure your mind and body get enough rest can go a long way toward easing stress. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7 to 9 hours for adults every night.
Make time for yourself. Do things you like to do or that make you feel good. Go easy on yourself and focus on the things you do well.
Steer clear of stressors. If you know something or someone sets you off, do what you can to avoid that situation or person.
Avoid Isolation. Even though you may feel like withdrawing, talk with someone daily, preferably face-to-face. Ask trusted friends and acquaintances to spend time with you. Or call 988, a crisis helpline with trained individuals to help you talk about your feelings.
If you're depressed and you're trying to minimize the impact of stress on your life, it's important to overcome that belief that nothing I do is really going to matter. It's just not true in most cases. It may not change everything, but it's a big thing to overcome that kind of hopeless belief. Tell yourself you WILL feel better in the future.
The Wichita Mountains Prevention Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing substance
use among youth in Southwest Oklahoma. For more information on the work of WMPN, or how to join the
Jefferson County Coalition, please contact sbruner@wmpn.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Funded by the Wichita Mountains Prevention Network, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.
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