--- title: Depression During the Holidays description: Coping with holiday depression involves identifying symptoms, seeking support, and adopting healthy habits. Learn ways to manage mood during this season. image: https://blog.lonestarfamily.org/hubfs/Adonai%20Paz%2c%20M.D..jpg --- [![](https://blog.lonestarfamily.org/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-blue-red.png?width=558&height=146&name=logo-blue-red.png)](https://www.lonestarfamily.org) - Services - [Family Medicine](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/family-medicine/) - [OB-GYN](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/ob-gyn/) - [Dental](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/dental-care/) - [Behavioral Health](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/behavioral-health/) - Patient Resources - [Community Resource Guide](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/community-resource-guide/) - [Good Faith Estimate](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/good-faith-estimate/) - [Insurance Information](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/insurance-information/) - [Medical Records](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/medical-records/) - [New Patients](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/new-patient-resources/) - [Patient Portal](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/patient-portal) - [Sliding Fee Discount Program](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/sliding-fee/) - Who We Are - [About Us](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/who-we-are/about-us/) - [Careers](https://j.brt.mv/ax.do?refresh=true&portalGK=12151) - [Clinical Team / Providers](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/providers/) - [Leadership Team](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/leadership-team/) - [News & Events](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/news-events/) - [Notice of Privacy Practices](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/notice-of-privacy-practices/) - [Locations](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/locations/) - Services - [Family Medicine](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/family-medicine/) - [OB-GYN](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/ob-gyn/) - [Dental](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/dental-care/) - [Behavioral Health](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/behavioral-health/) - Patient Resources - [Community Resource Guide](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/community-resource-guide/) - [Good Faith Estimate](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/good-faith-estimate/) - [Insurance Information](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/insurance-information/) - [Medical Records](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/medical-records/) - [New Patients](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/new-patient-resources/) - [Patient Portal](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/patient-portal) - [Sliding Fee Discount Program](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/sliding-fee/) - Who We Are - [About Us](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/who-we-are/about-us/) - [Careers](https://j.brt.mv/ax.do?refresh=true&portalGK=12151) - [Clinical Team / Providers](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/providers/) - [Leadership Team](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/leadership-team/) - [News & Events](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/news-events/) - [Notice of Privacy Practices](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/notice-of-privacy-practices/) - [Locations](https://www.lonestarfamily.org/locations/) [Book a Demo](https://www.google.com/) --- 1 min read [Mental Health](https://blog.lonestarfamily.org/tag/mental-health) --- # Depression During the Holidays 17 Dec, 2025 ![Headshot of Adonai Paz, M.D.](https://blog.lonestarfamily.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Adonai%20Paz%2c%20M.D..jpg?width=900&name=Adonai%20Paz%2c%20M.D..jpg) SHARE - - - [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.lonestarfamily.org/depression-during-the-holidays-1&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.lonestarfamily.org/depression-during-the-holidays-1&media=https://7515320.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/7515320/Adonai%20Paz%2c%20M.D..jpg](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.lonestarfamily.org/depression-during-the-holidays-1&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.lonestarfamily.org/depression-during-the-holidays-1&media=https://7515320.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/7515320/Adonai%20Paz%2c%20M.D..jpg) - - The holiday season is often one filled with happiness, joyful music, and family/friends gatherings. While it may be a season people look forward to, it can also be a great time of stress and often sadness for some people. Depression during the holidays is not uncommon, but there are ways to help manage the symptoms and make it less burdensome. Common reasons why the holiday season may be a time of stress are that depression is common during this time of the year. From planning family get-togethers to spending money for parties and gifts, there are numerous reasons why the holiday season may not be as jolly for some.  How does depression during the holidays look? The holidays can pose a sad time, especially if a loved one has passed. Mourning a loved one can last for years and the holidays may be especially difficult. It is normal to have these feelings. Common symptoms can include general feeling of sadness, feeling lonely, increased alcohol intake, and poor sleep. The symptoms can be better managed with individual or group counseling. Talking to your PCP can also be helpful as they may be able to guide you towards other resources available medically and in the community. Some things you can do at home if you are feeling down include both being flexible and setting boundaries. Be flexible regarding your expectations of others but always remember to set boundaries about what events you want to go to and what you talk about. Generally staying active, eating a balanced diet, and having a good sleep routine can also be beneficial for mind and body. It's important to note that while grief may be more noticeable during the holidays, it's important to follow with your PCP. You may have a mood disorder that can improve with counseling and/or medications. Likewise, even the season change can affect your mood during the holidays. Seasonal affective disorder, otherwise known as SAD, is low mood/depression during the fall and winter months.  ## Related Articles [![Headshot of Joanna Moore, M.D.](https://blog.lonestarfamily.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Joanna%20Moore%20M.D_.jpg?width=500&name=Joanna%20Moore%20M.D_.jpg)](https://blog.lonestarfamily.org/understanding-anxiety-in-children-and-teens-1) [Mental Health](https://blog.lonestarfamily.org/tag/mental-health) --- ### [Understanding Anxiety in Children and Teens](https://blog.lonestarfamily.org/understanding-anxiety-in-children-and-teens-1) Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear, or nervousness. It is a normal part of life and can help children stay alert or prepared for challenges... 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