Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Depression and the Holidays

4. Spend time outdoors, even in the cold months. If you seem prone to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), consider purchasing a light box. Find out more about SAD at http://www.mentalhealth.com/book/p40-sad... and Yahoo Mental Health.

5. Give yourself something to look forward to. I tend to be disappointed when Christmas is over. It never lives up to my expectations. Years ago, I realized that letdown feeling was milder if I planned something special after the holidays - dinner out, a movie, a special desert, after Christmas sales, vacation. Plan for those letdown feelings and make a preemptive strike.

6. Lower your expectations. The best way to ward off disappointment is to lower your expectations. Traditions are nice, but we don't have to do everything every year. We've gone out to dinner on Christmas Day instead of having a big Christmas dinner. Keep your celebrations simple and let the holiday flow out naturally.

7. Don't worry about taking the decorations down. My husband says that seems to be the biggest worry where he works. When will I have time to take the decorations down? Some even take them down the day after Christmas to avoid the dilemma. Do it when you get around to it. I've known people who kept them up until spring! A disabled friend had trouble getting her husband to help her take the tree down, so she had friends store it in the closet. Fully decorated! She was ready for the next year.

8. Do something for others. This year I helped the Las Vegas Mental Health Coalition give a party for over 500 mental health consumers. Another year I helped collect and wrap gifts for the Rescue Mission. Giving of myself helps me feel worthwhile.

9. Try journaling. Writing out your feelings can help you release tension and pain. For me, it led to a new career in writing!

10. Have fun. Play games on your computer, play with your children and pets - or with someone else's kids. Laugh. Laughing is good for the soul and helps relieve stress.

11. Finally, reach out to others. Call a friend. Attend a church service or another public celebration. Write to me! If the loneliness and sadness get to be too much, and sad thoughts turn to suicidal thoughts, call your local suicide hotline. The Las Vegas hotline has increased their staff for the holidays. They are there to help.

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