The Post Holiday Blues

The holidays can be stressful times for families with increased activities and emotional expectations. Often the days are action packed and buzzing with activity. Visiting relatives added to the mix as well as all sorts of overindulgences make this time of year intense and full. Hopefully, you avoided the pitfalls of overt family conflict or personal ghosts of Christmas past returning for a visit!
But, what about the week after? Early January can seem empty and dreary and often regrets of things not going as you wished add to a letdown. No holidays for months, and January’s cold shortened days the norm. I’ve always felt this the first few weeks of the new year and talk to many who agree. Maybe we can move New Years to February. Who’s idea was it to have the three best holidays in a row? I actually felt this the strongest the year after I left college and no longer had swimming season to occupy me.
Best advise when depressed: feel, don’t avoid it, but don’t wallow. Explore if there is a direct cause such as overt stress or the surfacing of an old conflict. Remind yourself it will pass and engage in normal and satisfying activities. Share your feelings with someone you trust. And, as always, if this persists more than a month consider a trip to you local mental health professional.( It’s my busiest time of the year.) It’s why they are there! Happy January, everyone!