Are You Having a Charlie Brown Christmas?

What's Wrong with Charlie Brown? 

Holiday Blues * Stress * SAD * Grief * Depression

1. Holiday Blues
2. Stress
3. SAD - Seasonal Affect Disorder
4. Grief
5. Depression

Basics for Coping with the Holidays 

1. Take it one hour at a time, one day at a time.
2. Maintain a normal routine. Keep doing your normal daily activities.
3. Get enough sleep or at least enough rest.
4. Regular exercise, even walking, helps relieve stress, tension and improve moods.
5. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Limit high calorie foods and junk food.
6. Avoid using alcohol, medications or other drugs to mask the pain.
7. Do those activities, or be with the people that comfort, sustain, nourish and recharge you.
8. Remember coping strategies used to survive past challenges. Draw on your strengths again.

More Suggestions for Coping with the Holidays 

1. Determine your priorities and establish realistic goals for the holidays.
2. Delegate some responsibilities to others.
3. Take time for yourself.
4. Minimize financial stressors by setting a budget and sticking to it.
5. Enjoy free holiday activities.
6. Think about giving a free gift from your heart. Your time or your presence.
7. Be around supportive people.
8. Volunteer and help someone else.
9. Create a New Holiday Tradition.
10. Find a new place or a new way to celebrate.

When to Be Concerned about the Holiday Blah's 

1. Constantly sad, anxious, or in an empty mood
2. Sleeping too much or too little
3. Having insomnia middle-of-the night or early morning waking
4. Experiencing a change in appetite either reduced or increased.
5. Having a loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex
6. More irritable or restless
7. Experiencing difficulty thinking, concentrating, remembering or making decisions
8. More fatigued or having a loss of energy
9. Feeling inappropriate guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness
10. Experiencing thoughts of death or suicide
    
    ** Anyone with suicidal thoughts or suicidal ideation needs to seek immediate care with their physician, crisis line or the nearest hospital emergency department.**