Why do I feel depressed or sad after the holidays?

Many of us may feel sad, alone or maybe even nothing after the holiday season, and this can be very common. I get asked a lot this time of year: why do I feel so sad? or why do I feel like nothing? or why do I feel so alone? or why do I feel this way? There are many reasons that have been studied as to why we feel holiday depression, or some refer to it as January depression, or seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder. Regardless of what you call it, here are 3 reasons I feel depressed after the holidays, and more importantly, how you can help challenge or support yourself during this time. Any other tips that have worked for you? Support the community and leave them in the comments.

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[NawalMustafa]

This is such incredible insight. Thank you for normalizing this experience and bringing awareness to it 🙏🏼♥️

[FlawlessSelMarie]

I think another reason that I have such a hard time in January is that I get so excited for Christmas and I look forward to it for so long and then it’s over and I feel so sad that it’s over.

[Eco_Hiko]

This year was the first time I've not gone to my toxic family on Christmas day. It's odd because I should've felt better but instead I felt this odd disconnect, which led to being depressed because my brain was expecting all the stress and toxicity but didn't get it. Family can be hard to navigate especially at the holidays. Hope you're all still fighting

[spikejonze]

Man, I appreciate this video. I've been feeling terrible.

[rachelgilbert]

I always feel depressed and anxious from October to December, because I dread the holidays and family dynamics. Then after New Year I am able to get rid of all expectations and feel like my life is more my own without guilt or pressure. Winter Solstice reminds us that from December 22nd onward, each day *literally* gets brighter. Hope everyone hangs in there 💚💙💜

[ketomeethealth]

The thing for me is the pressure of interaction. Being an introvert person that in itself is enough to bring on stress.

[GibranEscobell]

To the person reading this. Life is amazing, be grateful for everything you have done and built, being grateful propelled me in my purpose beyond my wildest dreams. The moment I chose positive thoughts over negative and made positive thinking (autosuggestion - affirmations) part of my personality I transformed everything because it pushed me to stay optimistic while taking actions.

[sln]

Cuddling pets and having nurturing routines helps. Sending hugs out to anyone who is struggling as a new year begins 💖

[TheMysticAngel]

Immediately clicked. This is how I feel.

[ariwl]

I can relate to this on a low-intensity level. I don't really get depressed after the holidays, but I do kinda feel like I'm deflated once it's all said and done. It's a big month (or more) long buildup of decorating and planning and shopping and traveling into a packed intense few days of high interaction with people I love (and some I'm just ok with) that I don't see often. And then it's all just...over. It's like I was training to run a marathon and the day after my body doesn't want to do anything but veg out. And then there's the added humor of everyone being excited for the new year but knowing that the calendar changing over doesn't actually change anything. I nearly always need a day or two to just recuperate and get back in the swing of things.

I'm so familiar with this feeling I've actually developed a tradition around it. I call it my last Christmas tradition. When the holidays are over the very last thing I do in relation to them is listen to the song "Christmas" by Blues Traveler. (fortunately, it doesn't get a lot of radio play lol). It's a bit of a melancholy song about wanting to get into the spirit of the season but struggling with it and eventually appreciating it for what it was. My experience usually isn't a direct 1:1 with the lyrics, but the buildup and gradual tapering off really mirrors how I feel this time of year and is my signal that Christmas is over and I can think about something else now.

[NovemberMe]

So relative right and on point. This week has been so hard. Thank you Kati and Sean!

[dukemandu]

If you're alone during the holidays, depression may not wait until after, especially if you never had a proper family in the first place.

[candacedawn]

I usually feel a little down after the holidays, but I have a new job that I'm starting in January that's keeping me going.

[shanebloeser]

I know it sounds crazy, but I generally listen to Christmas music throughout the year to make me happy until next Christmas. Not 24/7, but at least 3 or 4 times a week for a few hours.

[DenkyManner]

I've avoided the slump by setting a very clear goals for myself, i was eager for the new year to start. I know setting goals is often not possible as it can be difficult to have any kind of clarity on what you should even be doing, but I recommend trying. Something that will challenge you.

[stoffls]

I am glad I have no expectations for the holidays, other than survive. As for the season it is towards the end of January into February, that I think is worst, when it is still cold and grey and it seems the days are not getting any longer.

[sarlotavojtassakova]

I am so happy you came out with this video, I was thinking about this a lot!

[NFSMAN]

The post holiday blues are real!! hope you had a great new years though everyone. Christmas was the rare time that I was social with lots of people and New years too, now its back to normal life now.

[gabilopes]

This video came at the perfect time! I’ve been so anxious and stressed since the holiday season has started. I’m very glad that this video was uploaded when it was :) thank you

[someonesomewhere]

I'm most depressed DURING the holidays. After the holidays is kind of a relief.