FX Answers

Holiday Blues: It’s Okay Not to Feel Okay During the Holidays

What are the holiday blues? 

  • It is a feeling of temporary sadness, stress, or irritability from the holidays. The cause of holiday blues is different for everyone. You are not alone in that feeling. Not everyone’s holiday season is “like a movie” and that is okay. 

The potential causes of the holiday blues:

  • Changes in family dynamic, 
    • Example: a divorce in the family. 
    • Example: There could have been a loss in the family.
  • Financial stress
    •  Sometimes overhearing or sensing financial hardships at home can create worry or pressure. 
  • Societal Expectations
    • The idea that holidays “should” look or feel a certain way can be overwhelming.
  • Changes in routine
    • Breaks from school, travel, or schedule changes can disrupt your sense of stability. 

The symptoms are: 

  • Isolation or withdrawal from family and friends
  • Lack of interest or motivation with school, sports, or other activities
  • Irritable behavior or everchanging moods (extreme highs to extreme lows) 
  • Low self-esteem or feelings of hopelessness (thoughts of suicide in extreme situations)
  • Constant fatigue, aches, or sick feeling

Some ways to combat the holiday blues:

  • Stick to your routine
    • Try to keep regular sleep times and fill your days with activities you enjoy.
  • Take breaks from social media 
    • This can help reduce comparison and unrealistic expectations.
  • Talk to someone you trust
    • An honest conversation with a parent, caregiver, or trusted adult can help you work through what you’re feeling.
  • Create your own traditions 
    • Give yourself something to look forward to:
    • Movie marathons
    • Baking
    • Hanging out with friends 
    • Trying something new / a new hobby
  • Practice acts of kindness
    • Small gestures can improve your mood and someone else’s day.
    • Example: making holiday cards for kids in the hospital. 

If the symptoms of the holiday blues continue, it is important to reach out to a trusted adult again and work through your emotions. If you need help finding a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist. If urgent care is more comfortable for you, please visit this site for a list of Atlantic Health urgent cares.