6 Ways to Deal With Post-Christmas Depression

Many people put an expectation into the holidays that is far beyond anything reasonable. Nothing can stand up to their idea of a perfect holiday. And when the day is not as they had hoped, they begin to crash emotionally.

For others the holiday was difficult because they were not able to spend it with their loved ones. Either because of their work (military, missionaries, medical personnel, law enforcement, etc.) or because a loved one passed away during the year. All of their holiday cheer was drained away by the feeling of loss.

Some people spend too much on the holiday and the realization of what they have done hits home when they notice how empty that bank account has become. The financial stress is put off during the buildup to the holiday, but after all of the festivities they have no other distractions to prevent them from focusing on the pending payday shortfall.

Then there are those who physically lost control during the holidays. The food and drinks were passed around and they gave in to their desires. They woke the next morning feeling bloated or hungover or perhaps weak from a sugar crash.

There are many reasons that people will become depressed following the holidays. And it is important for Christians to understand that we are not immune to depression. It is not a sin to be depressed. Sometimes the actions that lead to depression are sinful, but the emotional act of depression is not a sign that you are spiritually weak.

There are some things that you need to do as soon as you begin to feel depression coming on.

1. Pray - in all things prayer should be the first thing we do. Rather than wait until we have reached the end of our rope, we should go to God as soon as we notice a problem. Prayer should also be a continuous thing. We need to communicate with God always. It is easy to think that God already knows what is wrong and if He wanted to help He could do it without our asking, but God told us that we have not because we ask not.
2. Focus on Others - do something kind for someone who is less fortunate than yourself. This does not need to be something that costs money, especially if finances are a part of your depression. Find someone who is dealing with a difficult situation and give of yourself in some way to help them. Giving to others through your time, talents, and treasures will not only help them, it will help you to feel better.
3. Count Your Blessings - make a list of things for which you are thankful. Doing this will help turn the focus away from yourself and your problems and will give you an attitude of gratitude. Realizing how much you have been blessed will put a smile on your face even in the darkest moments of life.
4. Stay Connected - depression often tempts you to pull away from others as you recede into your own Fortress of Solitude. This is not the time to be alone. Make a point of getting together with the people you love: friends, neighbors, family, church members, etc.
5. Get Involved - feed the homeless, visit a nursing home, watch your friend's children, assist at church, or find another avenue to be a volunteer. The act of participating as a volunteer can quickly break off depression.
6. Tell Others - There is no shame in admitting that you need help. We are not a race of super humans. We cannot do everything on our own. We need help. We need each other. If you ever find yourself dangling from the end of your rope, I encourage you to immediately call someone to come alongside of you and help you: a pastor, someone from your bible study group, a friend, a family member, or a professional counselor.