By Karen Morrison, B.S.W., R.S.W.

 Does just thinking about the holidays bring about feelings of stress, anxiety or sadness? This is true for many of us during the holiday season. Many factors can contribute to wanting to retreat until the holiday season is over!

 A number of factors can lead to increased stress, anxiety or sadness during the holiday season; unrealistic expectations, financial pressures, too many commitments, over commercialization, inability to be with loved ones, spending time with family where there are dysfunctional relationships as well as unpleasant memories from Christmas’s past.

 Headaches, excessive drinking, insomnia, increased irritability as well as "feeling blue" are all consequences of poorly managed stress over the holidays.

 Remember that our feelings truly are our own. Accept your own feelings whether it is sadness or anxiety and admit to yourself and others how you are feeling. What has led you to these feelings, no one can take away from you. If someone around you is experiencing some uncomfortable feelings, support them as you would like to be supported.

 There are many different ways to handle seasonal stress. Below are some do’s and don’ts to help you experience a little more "merry and bright" in your holiday season.

Do let go of the past and create new or different ways to celebrate.

Do allow yourself to feel sad, lonely or melancholy -- these are normal feelings, particularly at holiday times.

Do something for someone else.

Do enjoy activities that are free.

Do spend time with people who care about you.

Do spend time with new people or a different set of friends or family.

Do contact someone with whom you have lost touch.

Do give yourself a break -- plan to prepare (or buy) one special meal, purchase one special gift, and take in one special event. The rest can be ordinary, but will seem special because of the time of year and the people you're with.

Do treat yourself as a special holiday guest.

 Don't drink too much alcohol.

Don't overindulge in holiday foods, especially those that are high in sugar and fat.

Don't have unrealistic expectations of yourself or others.

Don't dwell on the past.

Don't focus on what you don't have.

Don't spend money you don't have

 Please not that if the "holiday blues" last longer than the holiday season, you may be experiencing symptoms of depression. In this case it is best to meet with your Physician or Social Worker to arrange the most appropriate plan for you.

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