There can be many reasons for your partner or friend to feel depressed or have the holiday blues. Here are 9 tips to help them through the holidays.
- Be a good listener.
- Communicate your support: for example, say “This must be a difficult time for you. Is their anything I can do to help?”
Share your feelings and thoughts to let them know they are not alone.
- Encourage your partner or friend to exercise.
- Make suggestions to eat more healthfully (cut down on caffeine, alcohol, or sugar).
- Ask them first what they want to do during this holiday season. Then ask who they want to do it with and when. Write it down. Also, ask them what kind of support they need to do this activity.
- Encourage them to do something FUN.
- Suggest they spend time with a pet.
- Have a good laugh. Find some funny jokes or see a funny movie.
The holidays are stressful with high expectations. People can feel let down, the holiday blues, or depressed. If your friend or partner seems to be experiencing deep feelings of sadness, helplessness, and loneliness, he or she may need more than your help to cope. Signs of serious depression include a loss of interest in activities formerly enjoyed, weight loss or gain, and a loss of energy. Other signs to look for are sleep disturbances, either sleeping a lot or not much, and other physical symptoms. If these describe your friend or partner, offer to go with him or her to see a doctor.
If they are having suicidal thoughts, then contact their doctor, call a crisis or hot line, or take them to a local hospital emergency room.
For more information, see my link page and go to save.org
Let’s talk about what you have found to be helpful with your partner or friend who is depressed during the holiday season. Send me a comment. I would love to hear from you.
My best to you,
Paula
