Archbold Medical Center| Archives Magazine | Winter 2018

ARCHBOLD.ORG • WINTER 2018 11 How to beat the holiday blues Eugene Sun, MD Psychiatrist MANY PEOPLE LOVE the holidays and can’t wait for them to get here. However, not everyone eagerly awaits the holiday season—in fact, plenty of people wish they could skip the holidays altogether. Do you feel this way? “There are many reasons why people have dampened spirits during the holidays,” said Eugene Sun, MD, psychi- atrist at Archbold’s Northside Center for Behavioral and Psychiatric Care. “The merry season can exacerbate feelings of sadness, exhaustion and stress.” If you’re less than excited about the holidays, these tips from Mental Health America and the National Alliance on Mental Illness may help: Scale back expectations. The pressure to be happy can make stress seem even worse. But you don’t have to attend all or any holiday parties, decorate, or send holiday cards. Stay connected. Don’t feel like celebrating? You don’t have to, but you shouldn’t be alone if you would like some company. “If you can’t be with family or close friends, try getting together with co-workers or neighbors,” suggested Dr. Sun. Set a budget and stick to it. If you can’t afford to buy presents for everyone, consider making some gifts. A deli- cious dessert or a collection of soup ingredients in a jar are easy and budget-friendly options. Instead of buying a ticket to see holiday light displays, stroll through your neighborhood to see your neighbors’ creations. Don’t abandon healthy habits. Exercise can help lift your spirits. Try to get plenty of sleep too. Remember a loved one in your ownway. Are you missing a loved one who is no longer with you? Honoring their memory may help. For example, you might carry on a tradition that your loved one started or make a charitable donation in their name. Cut the quarrels. Are you dreading attending a holiday dinner or gathering because of family arguments? This year if a quarrel starts, give yourself permission to simply leave the room until everyone cools off. The holiday blues are real and can disrupt your life in a serious manner. Making a few lifestyle changes can ease symptoms during this season. If you struggle with contin- uous symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss treatment options. Need to talk? Call Archbold Northside’s 24‑hour Help Line to speak to a counselor. Help Line: 800.238.8661