This time of year is a time of joy, or at least should be. Time with family and friends. Yet, commercialism and other overwhelming, over scheduled events can bog us all down and make us feel not much in the Christmas season. We need to take a page from Charlie Brown.
He’s a cool guy who takes life one day at a time and constantly tries over and over. It can be very difficult to kick a football if it keeps getting swiped from underneath you. Yet, Charlie Brown keeps trying.
Depression can come and go and in some situations can stay around for a while. My best friend lost both of his parents this year, one earlier this year and one this month. The one thing I can do as a friend is be there for him, be able to listen and help with anything I can. Even give hugs as needed. Be someone your friend can count on. Stay positive, do not get sucked into the negative. If you are the one who needs the support, seek out those that are willing to be there for you. Friends, family, members of your church or sometimes even a co-worker. If need be, seek professional help also.
Doctors have said over and over physical contact is a soothing sensation. Why do you think my cat keeps asking me to pet her and hug her? Do not be afraid to ask for a hug when you are feeling down. It will pick you up. Especially if the person giving you the hug is bigger than you and cares for you a lot and picks you up off your feet.
Grief in either loosing a loved one or for another reason can be good if handled the right way. We need to express ourselves in whatever way works to release the tension that comes from the grief. But there are a few things to stay away from during this process.
Alcohol, while some say helps relieve stress, is temporary and does more harm than good. Most find themselves drinking too much so they feel no pain. But when the affects wear off, you are no further ahead than before because you have not dealt with the issue at hand.
A similar effect can be said from caffeine. This speeds up the brain and will make you think too much, and most of the time over think and issue. Also, as much as we love comfort food, which is usually a nice fatty food, this is a bad time for that type of food. Eat healthy to keep the body running soundly. Fatty food slow you down and then you sit around and can fall back into a lazy sad state.
If you do need something for comfort, maybe something like Linus. A nice blanket you have had for a long time, or a familiar object. Sometimes with depression, you may feel lost, so a familiar object or friends can give you a sense of balance. Do not go through it alone.
Christmas and every day is to be enjoyed. Each moment is precious. We can use our memory to hold dear the important positive moments in the past, but we need to look forward to what lies ahead. The plans we have, the friends we have yet to meet. The awesome experiences that await us when the sun rises tomorrow.
