The holidays are about fun and joy, but it is also common for people to struggle with unhappiness this time of year, especially after Christmas.
Local Licensed Counselor Brittany Collins said mental health struggles are often seasonal depression. Collins said many things can contribute to seasonal depression, including pressure.
“All the financial stress with gift giving and trying to find that extra money in our budget to be able to show people that we care, or family dynamics can be a little tricky,” Collins said. “You know, you might have people come into town or go visit people that you don’t usually see.”
Collins said those who struggle with their mental health during the holiday season tend to feel that they are alone in how they feel, as others on social media appear to enjoy their holidays. Collins said if you are struggling with depression this time of year, the first step to helping yourself is checking in with yourself to see what is causing you to feel down.
“Is this something that has been going on for a long time, or does it seem really aligned with the timeline of the winter season or the holiday season?” Collins said. “Based on what they see there, I would definitely encourage them if they have a counselor, or they have a doctor, or a medication provider to really check in with them and see if they can validate if that pattern is there because depression is a range, and sometimes it can be very short-lived and very situational, but other times its more of a persistent disorder or persistent experience.”
Collins said she also advises those who are struggling to be open with a friend or family member about how they are feeling. Collins said more times than not, friends and family understand your situation more than you think they do. Collins said others can be a big help by taking the initiative.
“If you feel like you are seeing some differences in the people you are close to, just reach out and check in with them,” Collins said. “You know, don’t feel like you have to put a lot of pressure on it, but just pointing out what you are noticing and really just trying to be a support system for them.”
Collins said her team of counselors always prepares for the influx of people who need counseling services this time of year. Collins said she hopes people know that if they are struggling, they are not alone and that the feeling will lift over time.