By Vanessa Cort
CONTRARY to popular belief, the Christmas season does not usually intensify the negative feelings of those suffering from anxiety, depression, suicidal tendencies or other mood disorders. It can do the opposite.

Experts tell us that the goodwill and festive spirit which abound during the holidays touch even those with mental health issues, encouraging them to put their troubles behind them and join in the pleasantries of the celebrations.

However, it is the aftermath of the festive season and the dawning of the new year that tend to bring a resurgence in negative moods. This happens as people realise their problems did not magically disappear, but still have to be faced and dealt with.
Many may even feel increased pressure to let go of some of their emotional baggage, reluctant to enter the new year with the challenges which plagued them during the previous year.

Then there is something called the ‘post-Christmas blues,’ whereby people simply feel sad and gloomy after the holidays. According to researchers, this is more prevalent than we think and is common after all the ‘hoopla’ of the season.

This ‘let down’ feeling is usually short-lived and most people get over it after a while. We are warned, though, that we should pay attention to how long these emotions last and focus on self-care and creating ‘a supportive routine’ during the post-holiday season.

In discussing ‘The post-holiday blues and mental health,’ writer Barbara Field said: “Many people experience mental health challenges after the holidays” and noted that scientists have studied the effect of religious holidays on individuals,
It was found that there was a decrease in overall usage of psychiatric emergency services and admissions for self-harm behaviour and suicide attempts during the holidays. But an increase or rebound was detected following the Christmas holiday.

A further review of 25 studies carried out in 2022 showed that ‘psychiatric hospitalisations’ were lower at Christmas and during other holidays than they were during other times in the year.

Verywell Mind notes that “after the adrenaline rush of the holidays you may have a variety of negative emotions, such as anxiety, moodiness, depression, inability to sleep,” though this varies from person to person and the feelings are not likely to last long.

There are common emotions that people experience, such as emptiness, after the frenzied activity of the holidays, along with the exhaustion that results. Some feel loneliness following long working hours and the inability to join loved ones, while others feel stressed, travelling for lengthy periods, then preparing for the trip back home.

The ‘Let Down After Extreme Emotions’ researchers explain as a probable recovery after “intense positive emotions” and the example is given of extreme joy and happiness some feel at seeing and visiting friends and family.

Those who suffered from mental health issues prior to the holidays and those for whom the ‘holiday blues’ were not temporary, are urged to seek professional help to cope with their feelings.

We are all advised to give ourselves a short period of “catch-up time” which can provide a buffer before we return to regular routine. In addition, we are urged to connect with others through telephone or talking in person, rather than via social media. And above and beyond all of this, we are encouraged to take care of ourselves.

Ms. Field exhorts us: “Be nice to yourself. Cut yourself some slack and administer self-care. Self-care is important when you are feeling down.”

She recommends exercise, which has been shown to combat feelings of anxiety and depression; eating a nutritious diet with a focus on fish and whole grains to help reduce stress and getting enough sleep, as poor sleep can contribute to depression.

And remember experts tell us to think about self-care as a philosophy and not an action. That philosophy is “recognising that you’re worth the time.”