Does anyone else get depressed during the holidays?

This is actually quite common. I read once that more suicides occur during the holiday season than any other time of the year. This could be attributed to the fact that although it is often referred to as the "happiest time of the year", in reality it is also one of the most stressful time of the year for a lot of people. People are busy, and under pressure which can cause high stress. Others who are alone and have no family or close friends to spend the holidays with can become very depressed. It is unfortunate that you have so many things that seem to be wearing you down right now but try to take everything one day at a time. Just get through today. Be thankful for the family members that you do have and try to remember that both your mother and father would want you to be happy. Maybe you could try to think back to some tradition that they did every year during the holidays, something simple and do it yourself, kind of in honor of them.

I would just think back over the year. Surely you have been blessed in some way. Make the most of the family you have left. Try to honor the ones who are gone in some way. Without knowing more information it is hard to give an answer. If you have kids or grandkids try to start new traditions with them so that their memories will be good. I am sure that you can get help with food and other things. There are many agencies that will help you. I know how you feel, I alternate between extreme joy and the next minute I'll be crying over some old memory. Just try to do the best you can with what you have. Good luck.

hello i'm sorry you feel so depressed, i think you are in the same boat that many are. holidays have a way of making or breaking people. it all depends on your outlook. you cant change the facts that you lost loved ones around the holidays, I am soooo sorry about that, i can imagine that is tough, but did they enjoy the holidays? if they did, rejoice in that and cherish it.

as far as having to spend alot of money, you dont have to. i'm sure your immediate family wants to have a big feast but isnt getting together and being together the most important part?

No wonder some people dont enjoy the holidays, the stress is so great, they cant!!

i look forward to the upcoming holidays, not for gifts or food or traffic or crowds but just because i know i get to spend time with my family. i do feel blessed. so try to focus on what you do have instead of what you dont have. it can be hard but have faith, it can be done!!

GRATITUDE: for the mother that you had and the years you did spend together. (don't rehearse the death...celebrate the LIFE!). GRATITUDE: for your Dad and all the times you had to CELEBRATE LIFE TOGETHER! Make LISTS of special exciting moments and CHOOSE to CELEBRATE LIFE. NO turkey...HAVE HOT DOGS AND CELEBRATE (maybe even make your hot dogs with toothpicks in the shape of a turkey!) GRATITUDE...for LIFE...BEING ABLE TO SEE THE SUNSHINE, HEAR, TASTE, BREATH...YOU HAVE IMMEDIATE FAMILY! CELEBRATE! LAUGH UNTIL YOU CAN'T BE SAD. (see who can be the silliest). MAKE THIS THE SILLIEST...FUNNEST...MOST EXCITING THANKSGIVING your immediate family has ever celebrated! Have a pajama party (or wear the goofiest clothes you can all day. Crazy match day! ) Watch goofy movies! Make popcorn balls! Rice Crispy treats. Go outside for a long hike and enjoy the SUNSHINE!!! (Serotonin in the Sunshine is great for depression. So is working up a sweat! Get a sunburn and CELEBRATE that you aren't in outer Mongolia and freezing cold!) Watch HAPPY FEET! DANCE! SMILE! PLAY DOORBELL DITCH (and leave crazy silly cards on peoples' doorsteps!!!! Make mud pies! Instead of buying presents...make gifts for people! Look around and do "white elephant gifts" for others. (we all have so much excess junk sitting around and who can give the gifts that makes everyone laugh the most!) Then compound the fun with a "snatch the other persons' gift or pick one from the pile! You will be surprised at how much this adds to the holiday fun! I spent many years where you are and only recently (due to Isagenix and the wonderful changes the products have made in me) have I not had any "blue days". Much of it is choosing to live in a "state of gratitude" instead of looking to "what I think I don't have that others do". This keeps us stuck. I truly hope this helps! Another thing that has helped me is my faith in God! Look into the Bible at all those verse with Promises...Hope...FAith

and His Everlasting Love. God bless you. <><

You are remembering the anniversaries of when you lost your mother and father. This certainly is depressing.

You are expected to provide dinner for your family even though you are feeling so badly. This time of year is filled with expectations. It puts additional pressure on those that are having a hard time coping.

Each day make sure you set aside time for YOU.

Do something that is meaningful to YOU.

Please take care of yourself.