This article was published on December 19th, 2019

For most of us, Christmas and the holidays are times to celebrate and full of happiness. But for others, this time of year can bring about a depression that other times of years just don’t foster. Not everyone has family and relationships to surround themselves with during the holidays, and realizing you are depressed at Christmastime isn’t always as easy as one, two, three. Here are the signs you’re depressed this holiday season and how to handle a blue Christmas. Don’t allow depression to get the best of you this holiday season.

Signs of depression an be completely obvious or hidden in plain sight. Fatigue, constant negative thoughts, a lack of proper sleep, and a grumpy, sour disposition are all signs you could be depressed. If just the thought of Christmas depresses you, it’s easy to feel down at this time of year. Obvious signs are thoughts of suicide and self-harm. But other signs can be a lack of concentration, headaches or migraines, and an overall lack of wanting to be happy.

You need to take care of yourself, first and foremost, during the holidays. Try and destress with some yoga and working out. Resting enough is key. Reach out to friends and loved ones, wherever they may be. 

Don’t have family to be with? Stick to your chosen family. There are plenty of people that host orphan Christmas and Thanksgiving gatherings. Take these friends up on their invites so you won’t be alone during these days that can, so often trigger depressed moods. Celebrate your chosen family and commemorate those loved ones you’ve lost.

Being alone during the holidays isn’t fun for anyone, so try and find a group as mentioned above to be with. There is always someone to talk to and others who don’t necessarily have a place to go for the holidays. There’s nothing wrong with tagging along or taking friends up on their offer of having you over for the holidays.

This Christmas, think about maybe treating yourself. Ask yourself: what would make you happy this Christmas, and then make it happen for yourself. Go to Costa Rica. Watch that movie with your friends. Get drunk. Host an orphan Christmas or ugly sweater party. Skydive. Whatever. This year, try something different than the same old traditions that have made you feel depressed in the past. 

Instead of focusing on the positive, write down all the positive things, people, and experiences you’ve got going for yourself in this life. It helps to put things in perspective when feeling depressed at Christmas. Christmas should be gay and bright. Try not to sweat these holidays and just remember: It’s only a few days out of the year. Tomorrow is a new day, and soon, Christmas will have come and gone. And you’ll still be here.