Dealing with post-holiday blues when you're already depressive

[Lost_in_life]

Anyone have any advice on dealing with post-holiday blues when you're already depressive? My sister's family returned home today after visiting for almost 6 days. I keep having weeping episodes when I think about them. Ironically, their presence was causing me to think about our mother who passed away almost 2 years ago... AND the disruption to my routine (and diet, possibly) was exacerbating my anxiety.

[kkat37]

I found these tips onlineI hope you feel better!

1- Take some of what you made you feel good during the holidays and continue them into the days and months after the holidays. For example, if you enjoyed having lots of plans and looked forward to being out with others, make sure you make some plans now. Invite people over; it doesn’t have to be a formal event, you can just invite them to play games, watch a movie, or cook a meal with you.

2- Go to the movies, theater, museums with other. Get entertained.

3- Start or continue your exercise routine. Think about doing your exercise with someone else a couple of times during the week so you have company and someone to look forward to being with.

4- If there were people you spent time with during the holidays that your really enjoyed and you don’t often see them, make a plan with them. It’s not necessary to wait for holidays to see the people you enjoy.

5- Don’t beat yourself up if you gained weight. It doesn’t mean anything other than that you gained weight. It doesn’t mean you’re weak, worthless or irresponsible. It’s never too late to get back on track with your eating plan.

6- Have at least one thing planned in your week that you look forward to.

7- Be kind to yourself with respect to any New Year’s Resolutions you may have made. Instead of berating yourself for not sticking to your plan, make a plan that you can stick to. Perhaps your resolution was unrealistic. It’s always better to make a goal that’s attainable rather than one that’s too far off the mark.

8- Take care of your health, including eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep.

[Lost_in_life in reply to kkat37]

Thanks for the tips. I can do 3 (alone), 5, 7 and 8. The unfortunate thing is that I just don't have many people to do things with which many of these focus on. It generally doesn't bug except when my sister's family visits then leaves. As for "holiday weight gain" I've decide to put a moratorium on weighing myself until I've done a week's worth of regular exercise and diet. No need "freaking out" over how much I gained over the last two weeks! Also, I never make New Years Resolutions. Those just lead to disappointment.

[Lost_in_life in reply to Lost_in_life]

You know... I think the bigger problem is that I just can't seem to find any enjoyment in the things I normally do when the family isn't visiting. I'm not sure if it's because of the change in routine or if it's just form my generalized depression and anxiety.

[porcupyne in reply to Lost_in_life]

I’m alone always

Message me we could feel more connected

[Lost_in_life in reply to porcupyne]

Sorry you're always alone. I only have a few friends left and they're pretty busy with their own lives and/or far away. At least I've got my dad, who I live with, but we stay out of each others' hair most of the day.

[porcupyne in reply to kkat37]

Thanks