Holidays And Social Anxiety

 In Depression, Life



A man with his head resting on his hands.It is ok to give yourself permission to have fun over the holidays, but these days are also a time when social anxiety becomes a problem for some people. Pe
ople who might find it difficult to mix and wind down, it is good to know that this form of anxiety can be easily managed with a healthy support system in place.

The Holidays are the perfect time not to be alone, which also makes them the perfect time to ask for help. Warrior woman-ing is not the way to do the holidays today, and couples are partners these days. Close family and friends will also pitch in and help, which is also a way of re-bonding with family members and friends who might have got a little lost along the way.  Share any feelings of anxiety, and ask for the support required.

It has become a well-recognized fact that not all people view the holidays in the same way. Depression is common, so, it is vital to recognize the symptoms – sleeplessness or an increase in sleeping; eating too much, or not eating at all; tears for no, or very little reason; loss of interest in festive activities; weight loss or gain.

Feeling down in the dumps is normal, especially for people who suffer from social anxiety, or find themselves in a situation that is causing the social anxiety. We have used these examples before – anyone who has a spouse on deployment, has experienced a divorce, break-up, or the death of a loved one, may be more susceptible to this. Symptoms that are persistent, even when the holidays have been long left behind, must be taken care of by asking for help.

Emotional fitness during the holidays, is what makes them more enjoyable, and the less stress we have, the more emotionally fit we are.  Don’t let Santa bring on the holiday blues by keeping expectations balanced, and not worrying over that of which we have no control. Nothing needs to be perfect, and trying to take on too much can really dampen our spirits. Some people even suffer from SAD – Seasonal Affectiveness Disorder, simply due to short days and poor weather. In these instances a daily dose of sunlight from a full spectrum lamp can help.

Learning to say “no†and delegating authority will help manage time more effectively. This alone will provide more energy to have a good time. Remembering this season is all about family, friends and fun helps to deal with anxiety. This is holiday time, a time for renewal, and if it is spent in a “holidazeâ€, we lose meaning.

Get some winter exercise – walk after every big meal; never become isolated – the feeling of being left out is horrible. Help those less fortunate – there is always someone; don’t overspend – buyer’s remorse is also a horrible feeling. It is appropriate to mourn for the loss of a loved one, but also the best time to be with the ones you love. Learn to accept and forgive, and most of all remember that this season is about presence, not presents.

 

Recommended Posts