Navigating the holiday season while living with depression can be overwhelming. In this episode, clinical psychologist Anita and host Terry discuss why the holidays can trigger emotional distress and offer actionable strategies for self-care, boundary-setting, and reclaiming joy. Whether you're facing loneliness, family friction, or fatigue, this conversation provides practical advice to help protect your mental health and make the season more manageable.

Primary Topics Covered:

Why the holidays are especially hard for those with depression
The emotional and energy demands of the season
Setting boundaries with family and managing expectations
Creative coping tools like the “holiday bingo card”
How to handle grief and loss during festive times
The importance of buffer days and self-care rituals

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro and context for the episode
01:11 - Why the holidays can be especially difficult
02:28 - Energy demands and emotional expectations
03:51 - Family stress and social pressures
05:32 - Key advice for simplifying the holidays
07:39 - Navigating holidays alone and redefining traditions
10:00 - Grieving during the holidays
11:57 - The “turtle” grief metaphor
12:13 - Strategies for managing difficult family gatherings
13:51 - Creating and using the holiday bingo card
14:38 - Shifting focus with humor and internal rewards
14:57 - Setting firm boundaries and travel planning
15:58 - Scheduling a post-holiday buffer day
16:32 - Respecting your energy and recovery time
17:03 - Final thoughts and listener call-to-action
17:46 - Invitation to contribute tips for future episodes

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Managing Depression During the Holidays: Tips to Protect Your Mental Health