Presented by Debra Benbow FNP-BC, PhD (c) HOLIDAY BLUES Presented by Debra Benbow FNP-BC, PhD (c)

Objectives At the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to Recognize signs and symptoms of Holiday Blues. Discuss appropriate interventions to avoid or minimize Holiday Blues Heighten self and team awareness regarding Holiday Blues among consumers and professionals

Why the BLUES? Pressure to feel merry Remembrances of holidays past Reminders of loved ones lost Loneliness  Financial hardship In search of the sunlight…..ie the time change

Why the BLUES? (cont) Increased alcohol use Overeating Lack of sleep Overscheduling  Lack of planning  Unrealistic expectations about families Unrealistic fantasies about ourselves Lack of exercise  Lack of time for oneself 

Signs and Symptoms Headaches Excessive drinking Overeating Loss of appetite Insomnia Stress Fatigue Crying spells Unrealistic expectations Sadness Financial stress Inability to communicate Anger Inability to focus Restless Feeling blue

Beating Holiday Blues Stick to normal routines as much as possible Get enough sleep or rest Take time for yourself, but don’t isolate yourself Eat and drink in moderation and don’t drink alcohol if you are feeling down Get exercise, even if it’s only taking a short walk Take off days from work

Beating Holiday Blues Make a to-do list and keep things simple Set reasonable expectations and goals for holiday activities such as shopping, cooking, entertaining, attending parties or sending holiday cards Set a financial budget for holiday activities….stick to it! Listen to music Remember that holiday blues are short-term, so be patient and take things week by week and day by day

Beating Holiday Blues Be reasonable with your schedule Decide upon your priorities and stick to them. Organize your time Don't expect the holidays to be the same (when you were a child) Volunteer to serve holiday dinner at a homeless shelter. Plan unstructured, low-cost fun holiday activities: Give yourself a break; create time for yourself Let go of perfectionism and the need for control Don't try to be someone you are not  Don't try to be a saint  Don't romanticize past holidays  Don't lose sight of the true message of the holidays 

References http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-tsilimparis/6-essential-tips-for-surv_b_6116234.html http://blackdoctor.org/369322/holiday-blues-symptoms/ http://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/10-Tips-to-Beat-the-Holiday-Blues http://psychcentral.com/lib/beating-the-holiday-blues/ http://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/Stopping-the-Holidays-from-Getting-You-Down

Questions…..Comments….. Laugh Enjoy Relax HAPPY HOLIDAYS