The holiday season is supposedly a joyful time to celebrate and gather with friends and family. However, for many people, the holidays can be particularly difficult. We speak of “peace on earth” but are under constant threat of terrorism and war. The commercialization of the season paints an unrealistic “Hallmark” picture of happiness and expectation. Many are overwhelmed by their increased list of “to-dos”. And financial strain often hits an all-time high.

Feelings of depression are often swept under the rug and regarded as nothing more than the “holiday blues”. But such feelings should not be overlooked or neglected. It is important to keep a vigilant watch for signs of depression and anxiety within yourself or with a loved one.

If you recognize these feelings within yourself, take action. Don’t forget the importance of self-care. Try as much as possible to get 8-9 hours of sleep a night, eat regular meals, exercise, and keep your regular routines. Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. A licensed professional has skill sets and knowledge that you likely won’t find amongst family and friends.

If you recognize a loved one struggling with feelings of depression and anxiety, then here are 7 ways you can help them this holiday season.

Don’t forget, that we are here to assist. Our licensed therapists have years of experience and love to help and lift people. We are happy to provide you or a loved one with a free trial session of online therapy.