Navigating Mourning Over the Holidays: Insights into Grief and Melancholy
The holiday season, a time of joy and celebration, can be a challenging period for those who have experienced loss. While grief is a natural response to loss, it's essential to understand the differences between grief and depression during this time.
Grief, a process of coping with loss, is characterised by intense feelings of sadness, anger, or numbness, often triggered by reminders of the deceased, such as holiday traditions or family gatherings. However, grief typically does not impair a person's overall functioning consistently.
On the other hand, depression is a persistent mood disorder involving pervasive sadness, loss of interest, and functional impairment that lasts for weeks or longer. Depression includes more self-destructive symptoms such as constant anxiety, agitation, low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of hurting oneself.
Differentiating grief from depression during the holidays is crucial because grief comes in waves, while depression tends to be more constant and pervasive, affecting all aspects of daily functioning.
Healthy coping strategies for grief during the holidays include allowing yourself to fully experience your emotions, keeping up with daily routines, seeking and accepting social support, memorializing the loved one, and engaging in mindfulness, journaling, or therapy. It's also important to monitor for warning signs such as persistent withdrawal, irritability, hopelessness, or worsening sleep, which may indicate the need for professional help.
Professional support can help if grief symptoms persist or worsen into depression, especially during the heightened emotional challenges of the holiday season. Your healthcare provider may recommend medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs, or non-invasive outpatient treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for severe or treatment-resistant depression.
Remember, it's okay to feel intense emotions during the mourning process, and it's essential to lean on your support system by calling or spending time with family and friends. Coping strategies for grief during the holidays also include tips such as creating new traditions, seeking support from others, and allowing oneself to feel and express emotions.
Honour your loved ones by creating a ritual to memorialize them, and ensure you have enough alone time to process your feelings. Avoiding stressful family celebrations during the holidays can help reduce seasonal stress.
The grieving process varies from person to person and culture to culture, so it's essential to be patient with yourself and seek professional help when needed. Connect with healthcare professionals for proper diagnosis and assistance during the holidays and beyond.
Mental health during the holiday season can be particularly challenging for individuals dealing with treatment-resistant depression, a persistent form of depression that doesn't respond to usual treatments. In this context, science-based solutions like antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, or non-invasive treatments such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can help manage symptoms and contribute to better mental health and wellness. Additionally, understanding the differences between grief and depression is crucial during the holiday season, as grief typically comes in waves, while depression tends to be more constant and pervasive, affecting all aspects of daily functioning.
