With the holiday season upon, the rate of depression seen by individuals can increase. The commercials bombard us with visions of happy families full of joy and peace, and an abundance of gifts under the tree. However, for many people the holiday season is the loneliest time of the year. With the onset of depression, sometimes comes alcohol abuse. Milestones Ranch Malibu has a caring staff that understands the challenges of this season.
A plan of action to combat alcohol abuse and depression during this time of year will most likely keep you from needing a residential facility. A tip like preparing your own holiday punch to take to a holiday party where alcohol will be served can give you power over the desire to partake in the cocktails prepared. Sip your own festive punch and converse with others at the party.
Try to not to look back at holiday seasons that have gone by if they bring on depression. Perhaps you lost a love one during this season, or you may just be missing a family member that seemed to be the life of the holidays for your family. Keep your thoughts focused on the present and keep a holiday journal that contains the blessings you’ve received throughout the year. When you start to feel the urge to focus on joys of holidays past, you can review your journal to be reminded of your current joys.
Keep your activities manageable during the holiday season, but give some thought to volunteering. You could spend a Saturday afternoon wrapping gifts for disadvantaged children. This will give you the opportunity to give back to others and to enjoy the company of other volunteers. If you expect to be alone on Christmas day, consider volunteering to serve Christmas dinner at a local homeless shelter. You will most likely be reminded of many things you have to be thankful for.
The holiday season ushers in the traditional holiday movies. Don’t force yourself to watch them if you feel they will bring about a depressive episode. It’s okay to turn the channel to watch something that doesn’t remind you of the holidays if necessary. On the other hand, if a particle traditional movie brings you joy then watch it and enjoy.
Look around at work, at your church, or in your neighborhood for others that may also need comfort this holiday season. You will be reminded that you aren’t alone in your feelings. Reach out to them and spend some time with them. Offer to share a holiday activity with them, like riding around enjoying the Christmas lights. You don’t have to forego the holiday traditions to avoid depression.
Finally, set realistic expectations for what the holiday season means to you. Yes, holidays involve traditions, but each year also brings something new. At our house, Santa doesn’t visit our teenagers. I have, however, created new traditions that we can all share and enjoy.
The holiday season is often marked as a happy time of year. If this just isn’t the case for you, you can take these steps to make the season enjoyable and manageable. If you know you are susceptible to alcohol abuse and depression at this time of year, you have made the first step by acknowledging that fact. If the tips here fail to assist in keeping depression and substance abuse at bay, there is a caring and compassionate staff at Milestones Ranch Malibu that can provide you help.
Looking for more information about Milestone Ranch Malibu?
