(WWJ) - While the holidays traditionally stand as a time for gatherings, good food and reuniting with friends and family, experts say a number of Michiganders have negative feelings this time of year due to the loss of a loved one, chronic stress and even seasonal depression.
Dr. Lisa MacLean, one of the lead psychiatrists at Henry Ford Health System, spoke with WWJ's Mike Campbell on Saturday about what residents can do to help manage their feelings and take care of themselves during end-of-the-year festivities.
"I think sometimes we put a lot of pressure on ourselves and others around us put a lot of pressure on us to be in the 'holiday spirit' and be loving and giving," MacLean explained. "And yet sometimes people are thinking about things from the past, or people they've lost or even feelings of loneliness and anxiety and depression."
While sadness is a normal, everyday emotion that everyone experiences, MacLean said the holiday blues can run deeper as it can change appetite, sleep patterns and activity level.
"It's really a mood beyond that normal sadness," she said.
In addition, certain experiences during the holiday time period can cause increased stress.
"It starts in the fall with the time change," MacLean explained. "And then as you know, many people have increased alcohol use during the holidays, or we're eating more during the holidays. We're burning the candles at both ends and not sleeping as well or overscheduling ourselves."
So what can Michiganders do to combat the holiday blues? MacLean offered a number of tips that an help ease that sense of sadness or stress.
• Drink only in moderation. Recognize that alcohol is a depressant and drinking too much can exacerbate some of those negative or lonely feelings.
• Don't isolate yourself. If you are a person who lives alone, then think about a volunteer activity or reaching out to a friend.
• Movement. We need to be getting out, even if it's just a walk around the block that can really help get you back feeling a little bit better.
• Learn to say no. We want to say yes to everything, but if we over commit ourselves, then it can add to our stress and pressure. You need to understand kind of what your limits are.
• Recognize that the holidays don't have to be perfect to be special. They don't have to be exactly the holidays of the past to be just as memorable and meaningful.
"And in the end, it's important to just be kind to yourself," MacLean added.
For those grieving the loss of a loved one during the holidays, the psychiatrist suggested creating a new tradition that can still respect and honor their memory.
Old traditions, like pulling out ornaments, are very sentimental and can be sad, but MacLean said incorporating others may help those still grieving.
"I know my parents have have said, 'we're not putting up a Christmas tree unless our grandchildren come over and decorate it,' so somehow they always recruit us to help out," she said. "So think about who else in your life you can recruit to come help you with some of those traditions."