Christmas Blues

Guest post by Paula Borba

Christmas Blues: What is it, and how can it be overcome?

You've probably heard that some people feel a sense of sadness during the
Christmas season. Is it a natural occurrence, or does it indicate an emotional disorder? To answer this question, we need to explain that the feeling of Christmas Blues can stem from various reasons. It could be of religious origin, memories of family stories like childhood reminiscences, negative memories of stressful life situations, or unpleasant occurrences during the holiday season.

However, an exciting and common aspect for many people is that the end of the
year is a time for life reflection. People ponder over things they couldn't achieve, the goals they set for themselves, and the mistakes they made, leading to a sense of sadness and frustration. Consequently, individuals associate the year-end festivities with a personal reflection, especially Christmas, which seems sad due to family gatherings, reconnecting with long-lost relatives, and engaging in self-disclosure. Similarly, other occasions like birthdays can evoke similar feelings for some people for the same reasons. In these cases, Christmas Blues may be a natural experience for specific individuals without being clinical depression. However, if it causes any harm, seeking professional help is advisable.

So, can this Christmas Blues feeling affect people's lives?
Typically, it's a period of emotions that tends to fade naturally once the festivities conclude. However, some individuals may refuse to participate in celebrations, isolate themselves socially, and indeed experience mood changes, impacting their daily performance or relationships with others, including work.

What are the most common symptoms of Christmas Blues?
One may notice increased sadness, a sense of distress, a lack of joy during the holidays, and even discomfort with others' enthusiasm about celebrations and gifts. It's because the person feels uncomfortable with the festive period. Some people may experience changes in appetite and sleep, anxiety, decreased interest in previously enjoyable activities, or a decline in daily performance.

How can one overcome these feelings?
If the impact on a person's life is significant or if these feelings recur year after year, it would be beneficial for the individual to understand the real reasons behind their sadness. Discovering these reasons can bring relief and provide a better way to cope with the emotions during the Christmas season. Seeking help from a mental health professional, such as through psychotherapy, can be a constructive step. It's crucial not to hide or escape from feelings through isolation or confrontations with people who enjoy the holiday season. The key is understanding oneself and respecting each person's thoughts and opinions.

So, embrace the end of the year as a period in the life cycle where you can replan,
motivate yourself for new goals, complete pending tasks, and renew your ideas and
dreams. Dates are critical temporal milestones that help us measure the progress of our lives, inspiring people to set goals and challenges. They function symbolically as a starting point to drive individuals to seek improvements in their personal and professional lives.

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Psychiatrist doctor
PhD in Neuopsychiatry and Behavior Sciences
Brazil Writer @pborbarodrigues