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How To Deal With Depression Over The Christmas Holidays In Malta

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The Christmas holidays are a fun time for most people, but it is also a time of the year when mental health issues are triggered. The increased pressure to be merry and joyful, seeing everyone celebrating with their loved ones and the sudden darkening of the weather all contribute to a stressful atmosphere.

But more than that, it is the unrealistic expectations and excessive self-reflection that causes many people to turn in on themselves and shut everyone else. The time of the year brings a heady mix of emotions that can be overwhelming for some people.

But this year, it doesn’t have to be like that. There are some things you can try and incorporate into your daily routine that could be crucial in fending off a Christmas depression. 

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1. Try not to overanalyse things 

The last thing you want to do is overthink every little thing that happens, something so easy to fall into. Ruminating excessively on every little thing or sentence can cause you more harm than good 

2. Avoid comparing yourself to everyone else

With social media now firmly a major part of everyone’s lives, it’s common to feel like you are doing worse than your peers. Remember, everything you see on social media is curated to only show the best sides of someone’s day – you don’t really know what the reality is. Stay focused on yourself and your goals and forget about everyone else – we all have our own paths and unique speed to go down it. 

3. Set boundaries and don’t overexert yourself 

Spend some time figuring out how to take care of yourself during this time, says, and come up with relaxing and fun routines that you know you will stick too and enjoy. If you love reading, make sure you have enough time every day to read – and if you aren’t finding the time, cut other things out of your life. What’s important is that you cover the basics in your own life and don’t stress yourself out. 

4. Avoid family conflict  

Christmas holidays means family time. Most of them should be in a good, jolly mood (which could be a problem in and of itself) but if you feel a conflict arising, prepare some neutral response like “let’s talk about that another time,” or, “I can see how you would feel that way.” If the conflict escalates, calmly go to the bathroom and call a friend or read something that means a lot to you – but don’t keep yourself in an overtly negative environment. 

5. Reach out  

It might seem hard reaching out to your friends to speak to them about feeling depressed – you might think they are going to judge you or even make fun of you.  But the truth is different. Your real friends and family love you and care for you, and want you to be happy. Drop a message if you can’t bear a phone call – but reach out.

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6. Don’t be afraid to grieve

If you lost someone close or something traumatic happened throughout the year, Christmas time might bring it all back to you. It’s ok to cry and mourn – it’s ok to feel sad about something sad that happened to you. All feelings are just a sign that you’re a living, breathing human.

7. Enjoy each moment as best you can

Everyone from the media to your own mother might be imagining a perfect Christmas full of cheer – but you don’t need to buy into that. Don’t accept other people’s expectations, and lower your expectations if you feel that’s more accurate. Focus on the simpler things – being together with your family maybe, or anything that made you happy that week.

8. Don’t lose your train of thought

In between all the over-the-top adverts painting Christmas as some Winter Wonderland, don’t lose your focus. You know what’s important to you, no matter what the radio says. 

9.Get enough sleep and keep fit

This is an easy one. Your mind’s chemicals can become imbalanced with an irregular sleep pattern. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, working out at least once a week to begin with – and don’t overeat, as tempting as it might be. 

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10. Seek help from a professional

If you feel like your depression is too much to handle alone, fear not – there are a host of professional groups in Malta that are ready to give you all the support you need. 

Kellimni.com

One of the most useful Maltese support sites, Kellimni.com offers a live one-to-one 24/7 confidential and anonymous support service if you really need to speak to someone that instant. You can download their app on your smartphone and access their online resources at any time, or even contact them directly through their website or via email. 

Mental Health Association Malta

One of the oldest associations dedicated to helping people in Malta with mental health issues, the experience in MHA is hard to find anywhere else on the island. Their goal is to make sure that anyone affected by mental health problems has somewhere to turn for advice and support. They can be reached via their website, or text message on 79800080.

Victim Support Malta

This free and confidential project is in partnership with the Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity, and is aimed at people who were victims of any type of abuse. If you suffered from abuse and it’s causing you to be depressed, get in touch – they are waiting there for you. 

Richmond Foundation

Richmond Foundation offer community-based rehabilitation facilities for those who suffer from mental health issues. They will help you develop a routine to get you back on your feet, and teach you how to take care of yourself and focus on the positive in your life.

Bloom Clinic

They offer a range of online and offline resources for you to use at your own comfort, as well as offering psychologist support with a specialisation in depression. With a specialisation in depression, Bloom Clinic are there to help combat depression and related mental health issues.

Foundation For Social Welfare Services

The Foundation is made up of four of Malta’s most popular support agencies – Sedqa, Appoġġ, Aġenzija Sapport, and ChildWebAlert. You can contact them via their webisite or via their government Supportline, which can be reached by dialling 179. 

Do you have other ways of coping with depression over the Christmas Holidays? Let us know in the comments below.

READ NEXT: How To Help Someone In A Mental Health Crisis

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]

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