When you’ve got depression it doesn’t matter how much delicious food is in the house, or how beautiful the Christmas lights are or that there are heaps of fun activities planned over the season.

 

Depression says meh. Depression wants to sleep. Depression feels like puking at the thought of buying gifts or going to parties.

 

Depression doesn’t stop especially for Christmas and say, “Ooh eggnog! Just going to take a little break and enjoy the most wonderful time of year! Can I have a slice of pudding?”

 

Nope, it’s relentless – and even worse is it’s the one time of year we’re expected to be happy. The clue is in the words that are bandied about: joyful, happy, merry. The ads, the films, the media. That’s a lot of pressure for someone who doesn’t even want to leave the house.

 

And as a mum it’s even harder. You want to give your children a happy Christmas and you’re worried you’re ruining it on them. You want to enjoy the season with your family, but you can’t.

 

Here are our suggestions for getting through the Christmas period with depression:

 

 

Send e-cards

When you’re feeling down, selecting, writing and posting all those Christmas cards can seem like a monumental task. Why not make life easier and send a quick e-card, like the Hallmark ones here.

 

Say NO (the world won’t cave in!)

It’s hard to say no, and sometimes when you’re depressed you want to say yes even more because you’re anxious that if you say no, people won’t like you anymore. It really is a vicious cycle! Say no and we promise the world won’t cave in.

 

Be honest and tell your peeps the score

Depression has a stigma, there’s no doubt about that, but a shift is definitely occurring slowly but surely. People are starting to speak out and you should too. Tell friends and family you don’t feel up to going out or socialising right now. There’s no shame in it, they won’t look at you differently and chances are they’ve been through the same thing at least once in their lives.

 

Know that some people won’t understand and that’s okay

Some people will say, “But it’s Christmas! Come on cheer up!” You may want to wallop them with some tinsel but remember that they mean well and just might not understand how you feel. People who haven’t been depressed before don’t always know that oftentimes you have no real reason for feeling the way you so. They might not be aware that talking to depression logically about how happy you should feel doesn’t work!

 

Pick soothing Crimbo tunes

If the likes of Wham! or Mariah are doing your head in, but you still want the kids to enjoy Christmas music, play some classical tunes or carols instead.

 

Vouchers, voucher, vouchers

When putting your socks on seems like a difficult task, traipsing around the shops searching for the perfect gifts can feel like your own personal Everest. For the kids, shop online from their lists and for everyone else get gift vouchers! Maybe not the most personal gift but they always go down well, and if you’re not up to shopping they’re a godsend.

 

Don’t host the family Christmas dinner in yours

Not this year. A small Christmas at home will be much easier on you.

 

Back away from the booze

The booze is generally free-flowing around the Christmas season, making it so much harder to abstain. But remember, alcohol is a depressant and in excess will only make you feel worse. Why not try some delicious, comforting mocktails instead?

 

Plan ahead (and ask for help)

Ask your partner, kids, friends and family to give you a hand getting everything ready so that when Christmas comes around you have everything sorted.

 

Remember the real meaning of Christmas

Christmas isn’t tacky jumpers or presents or even decorations. That’s just the trimmings. The REAL Christmas is about love, compassion, tolerance and making connections. Mistaking the trimmings as the most important things will leave you feeling exhausted and stressed – and worse, like you've failed. Remembering the real meaning will give you hope and encourage you to share your true feelings.

 

We hope our suggestions will go some way towards helping you survive the season. We know it's tough and believe us when we say we have so much respect for you.

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