Is It Common To Be Depressed After the Holidays Are Over?

The holiday season is behind us, and while a new year can bring new opportunities and growth, it can also cause you to feel a bit down. 

No matter what or how you celebrate, there’s something special about the holidays. The lights, the smells, the get-togethers with family and friends all provide a celebratory feel that’s hard to replicate any other time of year. 

For some people, winter has really just begun. Cold, dark days, combined with slow months of “nothing” to celebrate, can cause you to become unmotivated, sad, or even depressed. 

Yes, it’s perfectly common to be depressed after the holidays are over. Let’s dig a little deeper into why and what you can do about it. 

The Post-Holiday Blues

There are several reasons why you might feel low after the holidays. First, you’re likely heavily distracted throughout the holiday season. Cooking, baking, shopping, decorating, and even cleaning keep you occupied. If you already struggle with depression or anxiety, these things can give you a greater sense of purpose. They can keep your negative thoughts at bay and give you something positive to focus on. 

Once the holiday is over, those distractions are gone. The depression you’ve been able to “avoid” for several weeks might feel like it’s suddenly stepping forward stronger than ever. 

The holidays also often bring a sense of nostalgia. You spend time with people you love and share memories about celebrations from the past. Simply being around people and thinking about happy memories can boost your mood, give you more energy, and provide a more positive outlook. 

When those people leave, and the decorations seem to come down quickly, it can be jarring, confusing, and sad. 

Recovering From the Holidays

Another reason people tend to get depressed after the holidays is that it’s the first time you might have to cope with all of the stress the season caused. 

No matter how much you love the holidays, there’s no denying that it can be chaotic. You might spend more money than you typically do. Your schedule is busier. You might be hosting family, or you might have to travel. Even if those things are enjoyable, they take a toll, and you probably won’t have much time to rest. 

Sometimes, post-holiday depression can stem from all of that stress catching up with you. It’s your first opportunity to rest and recover, and it can feel overwhelming. 

What Can You Do?

You can’t keep the holiday season from ending abruptly. However, there are some things you can do to fight off depression as the season comes to a close. 

First, try to keep spending time with people you care about. Get together for dinner with friends. Invite your family over for a game night. Get-togethers might not be as large as they are during the holiday season, but you can still make them happen. Being around people instead of isolating yourself is a great way to combat depression. 

Additionally, make sure you’re practicing self-care. Get enough sleep. Spend time outdoors. Exercise. Eat healthy foods. Prioritizing your well-being will not only reduce symptoms of depression, but it can make you feel better throughout the year. 

Finally, don’t hesitate to talk to a mental health professional if you’re really struggling. Your depression might stem from something deeper beneath the surface, and a therapist can help you work through it. The worst thing you can do is try to “fix” things on your own with unhealthy coping mechanisms until the holidays roll around again. Reach out for depression therapy if you need someone to talk to, and don’t let depression control your life throughout the rest of the year.