The start and an end-quarter are usually what we call the most anticipated time of the year. It’s the Holiday season and we get to spend quality time with our family and catch up as we celebrate this festive season. The Holiday season starts with the Halloween, goes on with the Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and ends with New Year’s Eve. These back-to-back Holiday events excite us to no end because not only we get to see and bond with our family, but who can resist the mouthwatering foods served on the table? When we think about the Holiday season, it seems full of brightness and vigor. However, that may not be the case for those people (especially teenagers) who are battling depression. If anything, the Blue Christmas they’re experiencing can worsen their anxiety and depression.

Depression Is on The Rise for Teenagers and It May Worsen During Blue Christmas

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Blue Christmas Signifes the Longest Night of the Year in Christian Tradition

For those who are wondering, what is Blue Christmas? By definition, the Blue Christmas is the longest night of the year in the Christian tradition. But more than that, the Blue Christmas also signifies the start of the Winter season (which usually happens around December to February). This is where snow falls down on, blocking the sun from the atmosphere and turning everything into frigid eyes. It’s also called a White Christmas and everyone, whether being an atheist or a religious one, everyone loves to spend their Holidays during Winter season. There’s just something special about spending these Holidays while building a Snowman.

However, the downside of the Winter Holiday Season is that many people also get depressed during this time. For one, those who are dieting dread the Holiday season because it’s where the temptation to foods and drinks are at its peak. Another thing is that many people fall into depression during this season because they are forced to stay indoors and get “snowed in” because they couldn’t endure the coldness outside. This phenomenon is also known as the “Winter Blues”. Most people experience Winter Blues because they can’t do anything productive and all they want to do during this season is to sleep and hibernate. The coldness seems to lull them to sleep and this is where negative thoughts start to come in.

How Does Depression On Teenagers Worsen During Blue Christmas?

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Teenagers Often Feel Winter Blues Because They’re Forced to Get Snowed In During Winter

According to a study conducted by the Journal of Pediatrics, the prevalence or risks of teens encountering a depressive episode during the past few years were apparent. In fact, the rate rose from 8.7 percent (in the year 2005) up to 12% just last year. That’s more than 1 in every 10 teens who have felt sad, anxious, lonely, and depressed. Most of the times, the victims came from dysfunctional family, failing grades, social and peer pressure. What’s worse is that they couldn’t find someone to confide in and share these struggles and battles they’re facing because they don’t have supporting circles. Or if they even had one, the rest of the world seems to be delighted to celebrate the season. If you’re a teen who’s battling with depression, here’s how you can take care of yourself and overcome Winter blues.

Confront Your Feelings

The problem with those teens battling with depression is that they’re also in a state of in-denial. First, they think they are strong and that they can manage it all on their own. They feel like if they ask for help, it makes them weak. Which isn’t really the case. Rather than listening to the negative thoughts lurking inside your head, take a leap of faith and reach out to your family, relatives, and even friends. It may be hard to confront your feelings, but remember that the truth will set you free. Even if you couldn’t get an immediate solution to your problem, you’ll feel at ease knowing that the burden around your shoulders has been lifted. You’ll eventually calm down and then you can think logically about how to solve your problems. Maybe your trusted friend can help you with coming up with a solution too.

Find Connections

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It’s Important for Teenagers to have a Social or Support Circle to Express their Feelings and Burdens

“Birds of the same feathers flock together”

We often heard this term, so why not take advantage of it? If you cannot share your feelings with your family or relatives in fear that they will judge you for it, or they may not be able to relate with your struggle, then it’s the time to rely on your batch too. Look for other teens (your friends perhaps), around your age (good friends, obviously) and try connecting with them. They’re the ones who understand your battles since they themselves had experienced it too. You’ll be able to learn how they cope up with it. This is also the perfect time for you to socialize and build your network.