Post-Holiday Depression:
Feel Better in the New Year

The holidays can be a time of happiness and excitement. They can be filled with family time, parties, delicious foods and deserts. It is natural to feel a boost in your mood around this time. Feeling down or sad around the holidays is talked about often, but what about feeling this way once the holidays are over? If you feel down after the holidays you aren’t alone. You deserve to start the New Year feeling good, not stuck in a post-holiday slump. Therapy can help. 

Causes of Depression in The New Year 

Coming off of a season of excitement and wonder can leave one feeling a bit let down. It can be a lot to go from being busy and surrounded by loved ones to having downtime and perhaps even feeling alone. The holidays can be overwhelming and sometimes we embrace the bustle. It can be enjoyable and sometimes even welcomed as a means of avoiding other less pleasant aspects of our lives. 

We often go into the new year feeling more critical of ourselves, setting resolutions to be “better” leaving us feeling as if we may not have been enough to begin with. All of this can combine to lead to symptoms of depression. 

Going from one hundred to zero can leave you feeling down. This may be a new feeling for you or a return to how you were feeling before the holidays began. Either way, if you are experiencing symptoms of depression it can be wise to do something about it. 

Symptoms of Depression

The more you know about depression, the sooner you can intervene. If you notice yourself, or someone you care about, experiencing any of the following symptoms it may be wise to seek out a licensed therapist; 

  • Sad mood
  • Irritability
  • Sleep disturbance (sleeping too much or not enough)
  • Appetite changes (overeating or undereating)
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Problems with concentration
  • Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness or hopelessness
  • Thoughts of death or of harming yourself 

The above symptoms of depression are often cause for concern. Reaching out for help can make a world of difference. Depression is treatable, though it rarely improves on it’s own. 

Counseling and Depression

CCS in Fuquay-Varina contracts with licensed counselors and therapists who are skilled in providing effective treatment for depression. Whether your symptoms are related to the holidays or not, counseling can help. 

Depression is treatable, don’t wait for things to become unmanageable before reaching out for help. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment. Online counseling and in person sessions are available.