The New Year is a time of celebration and renewal, in which many people set goals and changes in their lives. However, for some people, this time of year can be a trigger for depression and anxiety. The social pressure of having to meet the expectations of a new beginning, combined with nostalgia for what was left behind and the uncertainty of the future, can contribute to us feeling more emotionally vulnerable. In this article we will explore whether the New Year really makes us more susceptible to depression and what strategies we can use to take care of our mental health during this season.
Why Why can the New Year be a trigger for depression?
The New Year represents a period of transition, where we are faced with the idea of leaving a year behind and starting a new one. Many people experience feelings of nostalgia when remembering what happened in the previous year, both the good and the bad. In addition, the pressure of having to fulfill traditional New Year's resolutions can generate anxiety and unrealistic expectations.
Comparison with the achievements of others, the feeling of not having met the previous year's goals or uncertainty about what the future holds are factors that can contribute to feeling emotionally vulnerable at this time of year. Advertising and the media also play an important role in promoting the idea that the New Year is a time to reinvent oneself and achieve complete happiness, which can generate a feeling of inadequacy in those who do not feel in tune with those expectations.
Risk factors for depression during the New Year
There are certain factors that can increase vulnerability to depression during the New Year season:
- Loneliness: Those who are alone during the holidays may experience feelings of isolation and sadness when seeing others celebrating in company.
- Financial stress: Extra spending during the holidays and the pressure to give and celebrate can lead to anxiety and worry about the state of our finances.
- Unmet expectations: Feeling unfulfilled met the goals or resolutions of the previous year, or that the desired success or happiness has not been achieved, can cause frustration and discouragement.
What can we do to take care of our mental health in New Year?
Despite the emotional challenges that the New Year season can present, there are strategies we can use to protect our mental health and prevent depression:
1. Set Realistic Goals
Instead of falling into the trap of unrealistic New Year's resolutions, it is beneficial to set achievable and measurable goals. Breaking down goals into smaller, time-bound steps can help maintain motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
2. Cultivate gratitude
Practicing gratitude can be a powerful tool to counteract sadness and nostalgia. Being grateful for the good things we had in the previous year, for the experiences we had and for the people who accompanied us, can help us focus on the positive and generate positive emotions.
3. Connect with others
It is important to maintain social contact during the holidays, whether with friends, family or support groups. Sharing our emotions and concerns with others can provide us with emotional support and a sense of belonging that counteracts loneliness and isolation.
4. Taking care of our physical well-being
Physical exercise, a balanced diet and good rest are essential for our mental health. Maintaining healthy habits during the New Year season can help us regulate our emotions and maintain a positive mood.
5. Seek professional help if necessary
If we experience symptoms of depression, anxiety or any other emotional disorder, it is essential to seek professional help. A psychologist or psychiatrist can provide guidance, support and appropriate treatment to overcome the emotional challenges we face.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the New Year can be a time of celebration and hope, it can also be a period of emotional vulnerability for many people. Peer pressure, homesickness, unrealistic expectations, and other factors can contribute to depression and anxiety during this time of year.
It is important to be aware of our feelings and emotions, and take steps to take care of them. our mental health during the New Year. Setting realistic goals, practicing gratitude, maintaining social contact, taking care of our physical well-being, and seeking professional help if necessary are strategies that can help us overcome the emotional challenges we face at this time of year.