Even though the Christmas holidays are stressful and emotional, I still love them. Ever since I was a child, Christmas has always been my favorite holiday and even still now that I am dealing with the emotions that go along with being a birthmother at the holidays, I still enjoy Christmas.

But as I grow older each year after the holidays, I find myself depressed, down, and blue. There is typically so much anticipation, excitement, and emotion involved in Christmas and then it’s pretty much all over in one day. Plus, as birthmothers we are dealing with the emotions of not being the mother that is parenting your child that it seems pretty clear as to why some birthmothers may experience some depression after the holidays.

Below are a few tips that might help you get over the post holiday blues if you are experiencing them.

1. Look ahead to the New Year. Make plans and goals for what you wish to accomplish in the New Year. Giving you something to look forward to can help take your mind off things and improve your mood.
2. Write down any holiday memories from the year in your journal or scrapbook. Someday you could share this with your child if you wish.
3. If you spent time with your child over the holidays, write him/her a note letting them know you enjoyed seeing them and maybe send a few pictures.
4. If your child and his/her family gave you a Christmas gift, send a thank you note.
5. Spend time with other people and don’t isolate yourself. During the holidays we are often surrounded by people at family gatherings and parties and you may find yourself lonely now, so reach out to others.
6. Set aside some time to do something special for yourself such as reading a good book, watching a movie, or making your favorite meal.

If you continue to be down and depressed, consult your physician or therapist.

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Related Posts:
When Grief Turns into Depression
Seasonal Affective Disorder

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