Tag Archives: blues

General Safety Issues

DO YOU HAVE THE HOLIDAY BLUES?

Many times, when the holiday season begins, we have mixed emotions.  The season can be a time full of joy, cheer, parties and family gatherings. But for many people, it is a time of self-evaluation, loneliness, reflection on past failures and anxiety.  More reasons that some persons feel blue could be the stress of preparation for a number of guests, financial constraints, or the fact that they may be unable to be with friends and family.  We should think of the families of our military, who are far away from home.  They certainly have a right to dread the holidays.

People may also develop other stress responses such as headaches, excessive drinking, over-eating and difficulty sleeping. Even more people experience post-holiday let down after January 1. This can result from disappointments during the preceding months compounded by the excess fatigue and stress. Work-related stress may appear more as the holidays approach.  You don’t want to let the holidays become something you dread.  Holiday triggers many “downers” – from financial pressures to personal demands.

Ways to overcome these feelings instead of having a complete meltdown are:

  • Plan ahead of time and stick with plans.
  • Positive thinking that you will have a good time during the holidays.
  • Have a social support network.  Spend time with family or friends, and make good friends, who are there for you, good or bad.  Be a friend.  Have a pet.  Volunteer for a good cause, to help those in need.  Visit a church and make friends there.  Be a good listener and be there when someone needs you.
  • Exercise.
  • Think of all the things you have to be thankful for.

Coping with Stress & Depression During the Holidays

  • Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Don’t put the entire focus on just one day (i.e., Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.)
  • Remember the holiday season does not banish reasons for feeling sad or lonely; there is room for these feelings to be present, even if the person chooses not to express them.  My dad loved Christmas, and I am always sad that he and my mother have been gone for so many Christmases.  It is a very natural thing to miss those we loved dearly.  But they wouldn’t want sadness during this time of the year for the family, so we just move forward and remember the great times we had.
  • Leave yesterday in the past and look toward the future. Life brings changes.
  • Enjoy activities that are free, such as taking a drive to look at holiday decorations, going window shopping or making a snowperson with children.
  • Be aware that excessive drinking will only increase your feelings of depression.
  • Try something new. Celebrate the holidays in a new way.
  • Call someone you haven’t heard from in a long time.
  • Save time for yourself!

We spend many hours each day working with other people; one of the best gifts we can give them is the gift of compassion.  If they are having trouble dealing with work issues during the holiday season, offer to listen and help if you can.  Sometimes folks need professional help.    Be there for them if you can.  Everyone deserves happiness.  You might just help them shake off the “Holiday Blues!”

Source: Mental Health America; Mayo Clinic

General Safety Issues

DO YOU WORK WITH SOMEONE WITH THE “HOLIDAY BLUES?”

It’s a reality that some of us are just not in the best of moods during the holidays.  There can be many reasons for this, but sometimes, celebratory occasions bring out sadness in individuals.  I enjoy the holidays and look forward to being with my family, but at the beginning of the season, I always think of my parents, who passed away several years ago.  My dad loved Christmas; when we would decorate the tree, he put on the Christmas “records”, yes, records, and some of the Christmas music we listened to is still popular today.  He got so much pleasure out of doing all the things that made our Christmas special.  And, he could make delicious fudge!

It is normal to feel grief for those we have lost.  But there are those who suffer from depression all year long, and certain times of the year make them even bluer.  Depression is an illness; it can cause physical pain as well as emotional stress.  You and I can’t cure someone that suffers from this illness; it requires professional help.  But we can be more attentive to our surroundings and watch for signs that our work friend may be having a more difficult time in performing his/her duties.  They could be struggling with relationships or physical demands that we are not aware of.  Sometimes the season alone can be the reason their feelings are magnified.  If you know someone who may be depressed, do what you can to encourage him to trust his healthcare provider for professional help.  It is important that they stay on medications and call their provider if symptoms get worse.  

If there are parties after work for the employees to get together, don’t encourage anyone to consume alcohol if they are “down in the dumps.”  Alcohol is a depressant.  Excessive drinking only increases feelings of depression, so this is important for all of us to remember, whether we are with our work friends or other acquaintances. 

During these economic times, folks are doing their best to furnish what gifts they are able to give without extending their budget too far.  Keep track of holiday spending.  If you overspend, you will be pretty depressed when the bills arrive.  Most of the time, people are perfectly happy with the gifts they receive and don’t equate them with dollar signs.  Over-commercialization can be another reason for feeling blue.  Every year, we see the commercials about the brand new luxury car in the driveway, with a big, red ribbon on it!  Let’s get real, folks!  I know they want to sell cars, but I can’t help but think about families who don’t have a home or a job, or may be living in their cars. 

Please use some of these tips to help someone you know that may be struggling with the holidays:

  • Find some activities that are free, and take them out for an afternoon of just “window shopping” or treat them to a funny movie.
  • Take your lunch break together, and listen, if they just want to talk.
  • Volunteering is a great way to help and get to know others, and may be just “what the doctor ordered” to get him/her involved with something different.
  • Encourage them to look to the future with optimism.
  • Trying a new activity just might be the thing to make one feel better.
  • Suggest getting in touch with old friends or family members.
  • Enjoy the present.
  • Spend time with caring and supportive people. 

You are very blessed if you haven’t hit a low spot at one time or another in your lifetime.  For those who seem to be in that low spot most of the time, there is help.  If a person’s work is affected, if they are present in body but not spirit, if they show signs of fatigue or stress, we need to be their advocates.  We need to encourage them to seek professional guidance, in order to get better.  (They need to know they can get better!)  Many companies offer counseling for their employees, and want to help them cope.  They know that if their employees are in better mental and physical condition, there will be less risk of workplace injuries.  We all know the chance for accidents is greater when we feel fatigued or “just not ourselves.” 

Too many times we are so wrapped up in our own job, that we overlook someone who needs help but may be too proud to ask for it.  Don’t let anyone have a “Blue Christmas” without you.  Be there for your family, coworkers, and friends.  You may need a lift someday, too.