Posted by Mitch on November 10, 2001, at 10:45:56
In reply to Re: Holiday Depression, posted by galtin on November 9, 2001, at 22:45:08
> > Many people tend to feel depression, anxiety, and confusion around the holidays? Often we do not know why. It is only after we sit down and sort through what our holidays were like when we were children that we realize the kinds of negative experiences that the holidays brought. Unfortunately, our children may be experiencing similar feelings. How do you deal with holiday depression?
>
>
> Finally, two years ago I took a bold step out of annual martyrdom. I stopped giving or receiving gifts costing over $15.00. I said "no" to four out of five invitations and left early from the fifth ones. I scheduled diverting and pleasant activities-- movies, adventures in the woods, lunches, etc, with people I am close to, reading good books, going new places, and so on. All this has helped me feel less like a self-pitying victim and more like a run of the mill grouch.
>
> Any other ideas, anybody?
>
>
> galtinI think what you mentioned is a great idea and I think I know why it is working. During the holidays you tend to get "dragged around" by your family and you don't feel like you have any *control* over any of the festivities. I tend to feel like I have gotten letters from the government forcing me to attend bad movies! If you can "create and control" your own events then they have the potential to be a lot more fun.
Mitch
poster:Mitch
thread:13574
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20011105/msgs/13761.html