With the advent of fall and Halloween right around the corner, the holidays are coming — perhaps more quickly than you’d like them to. After all, the holidays can be a time of merriness and goodwill. However, the holidays can be a time of depression, loneliness, anxiety, stress, and feeling overwhelmed. If you’re already in a valley of life or you’re struggling with depression, the holidays can be downright miserable.
Dr. Lara Dye is a clinical psychologist in Austin who offers depression help, as well as help with those suffering from PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, she is a CSAT, or a certified sex addiction therapist, who counsels couples and those suffering from sex addiction and other process addictions, especially if they stem from childhood trauma. In this blog post, we’ll discuss ways to beat the holidays blues. Contact Dr. Lara today!
TIPS TO BEAT THE HOLIDAY BLUES
Let Go of Expectations
Many people (not just those suffering from depression) have very high expectations for the holidays. They expect every day will be like Christmas morning, full of merriment, cheer, fun parties, great-tasting baked goods, and laughter. However, in reality, this is only a very small part of the holiday season. There is a lot of work that goes into buying presents and wrapping them, preparing Thanksgiving dinner, baking all day for those delectable delights, and relaxing with friends and family around the fire. When expectations are let down, so are your emotions, and they can plummet further than you’d like. Dr. Lara Dye recommends that you don’t worry about what the holidays are supposed to be like and that you’re not fooled by what you think others’ holidays are like or by what you see in the media. Just focus on your holiday experience.
Get Out!
Loneliness is a big, silent problem, especially among our elderly who may be coping with the loss of a significant other during this holiday season. Even if it’s cold and blustery out, just leaving your four walls behind for a while can be invigorating. Go to a bookstore, and read a book. Go to your local recreation center, and walk indoors around the track. Call up a friend, and have coffee together. Dr. Lara Dye recommends any kind of attempt to get out of doors will immediately lift your spirits and help to chase loneliness away.
Volunteer
The saying is true that when you give, you receive. By giving to others, you yourself feel happy inside. It can elevate your mood and your health. It can also make you realize just how grateful you are for the life you lead. When you donate your time to a local charity, such as serving at a soup kitchen, you’ll discover you truly have nothing to be sad about because you are alive.
HOW DR. LARA DYE CAN HELP WITH DEPRESSION OVER THE HOLIDAYS
Dr. Lara Dye offers depression help in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and all over Texas with her telehealth services. Don’t let the holidays get you down. Call Dr. Lara Dye today for depression help!