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Thanksgiving is supposed to be a joyful time of year, full of food, friends and fun. Unfortunately, many of us suffer from depression during the holiday season. For a variety of reasons, many of us can't cope with Thanksgiving's arrival. As a result, we can't enjoy ourselves during one of the most special times of the year.
Thankfully, there are many techniques that can help those of us who suffer from depression find ways to cope with the Thanksgiving holiday. After working with many individuals who have suffered from depression during the holidays, therapists have come up with ideas that can make it much easier to cope with this festive holiday.
Reach out to your friends and family. Many times, people who suffer from depression during the Thanksgiving season often feel blue because they can't see their friends or family. If that's the case, why not try other ways to reach out to the ones you love? An e-mail, a text message or an old fashioned phone call can make a real difference. Even installing a web cam on your computer will allow you to "visit" your loved ones if you cannot make the trip in person.
Don't feel obligated to celebrate Thanksgiving in the traditional way. Sometimes it's okay to bend social norms. Instead, think up ways to make it your own special day. If you don't like turkey, don't worry. Order pizza or eat popcorn instead. If you don't feel like dressing up or seeing people, that's okay too. No matter how you do it, celebrating Thanksgiving in your own way can help you feel a lot better about yourself.
If you are feeling blue, try doing something to alleviate your sadness. Volunteering is a great way to boost your self esteem while helping those in need. Soup kitchens, nursing homes and homeless shelters are always looking for volunteers, especially during the holiday season. Try to put yourself in the shoes of someone who has nothing; no family, food or home. Just being there to lend a helping hand will give you a new perspective and make you feel like a million bucks.
Argosy University offers a wide selection of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in a variety of psychology concentrations at 19 locations across the nation.
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