How do I deal with holiday stress and depression?

During the holiday season, do you feel...

• Financial pressure?

• Lack of time?

• Stressed about gift giving and family gatherings?

If so, you're not alone. According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people surveyed said their stress increased during the holiday season. This, along with a lack of sunlight during winter, can lead to depression and anxiety.

It's important to acknowledge your feelings and know that they can change with a few strategies to help you feel better.

Photo by Yuris Alhumaydy on Unsplash

Acknowledge your feelings and identify where they're coming from.

• A feeling of loneliness?

• Family obligations?

• Buying gifts on a tight budget?

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Take steps to feel less isolated during the holiday season.

• Take a break from social media — too much time on social media can make you feel more isolated

• Start a new holiday tradition — go to a movie, spend time with friends or volunteer

• Call your loved ones if you can't be with them on the holidays

• Make a list of everything you're grateful for

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Too many family and social obligations getting you down? Accept that you can't do it all and set some limits.

• Find a way to compromise so that everyone is happy

• Prioritize the most important events

• Meet up with others after the holidays if you can't make a holiday gathering happen

If you're on a tight budget, use your creative skills to come up with thoughtful gifts.

• Bake cookies and share them with others

• Offer to do a chore or task that person hates

• Create a photo collage or frame a picture

• Sew or paint something special

Don't the holidays get you down!