The year seemed like a blur. I remember cooking dinner for my friends on New Year’s Eve as if it happened yesterday, and somehow it’s difficult to determine if it was 2022.

The 2024 is staring me in the face and I’m not ready, because, as busy as I was, I did not accomplish everything.

Plus, there’s Christmas shopping — and I am not in the mood to try and figure out what I should buy for everybody.

When did Christmas get this overwhelming? There was a time when I looked forward to celebrating the end of the year and looking forward to what the new year had in store.

I am just physically tired, which is very different from feeling emotionally depressed or emotionally exhausted.

However, for many individuals, the holiday season can trigger depression. This could be for a host of reasons — for some, it may be not being able to be with family or losing a loved one; perhaps it’s a rough financial time; or, for others, it may be that it is stressful to be around others celebrating when they are going through a tough personal time of not knowing what the future will look like.

You may not recognise it or appreciate the fact that seasonal depression is more common than you may think. Depressive thoughts and feelings increase during the holidays. The World Health Organization reports that depression affects approximately 280 million people globally.

What are some of the likely symptoms?

Suppose you feel like simple everyday activities are more complicated than usual. For example, if getting out of bed, or making a meal; feeling more tired than usual, losing interest in things that used to bring you joy; or having trouble concentrating.

Here are some basic things you can do if you’re feeling emotionally down this season:

1) Drinking alcohol can magnify your depression because it affects your mood negatively, placing you in a further spiral. Therefore, try to limit your alcohol consumption, and try not to keep it readily available around your house or be coerced by friends. Alcohol doesn’t drown or eradicate sorrows; it only numbs for a while.

2) Also, try to get good rest through sleep. I know it’s a time of partying. However, being well-rested can improve your mood and help you to concentrate, have better discernment, and allow you to see things clearly.

3) Additionally, learn to say “no” if you don’t think you’re up to it and you need some ‘personal time’. Because overscheduling and not making time for yourself can lead to emotional breakdowns.

4) Conversely, keep an open mind to try new traditions. Maybe you could be tired of the ‘same old, same old’ family holiday routines. Perhaps you may have an image of what you think the holiday should be, which may not be what’s happening in your community or household. Instead of bottling it, discuss it or allow yourself to experience new ways to celebrate and give thanks.

5) If you lost your spouse or family member and it’s still difficult to cope, holidays can be especially tough. Although isolating yourself and grieving can be tempting, spending time with your friends and family can be beneficial. They can support you through this difficult time.

6) I saw a video on Instagram recently with an old lady walking across to her neighbour with some candy. When her neighbour came out with her son, she gave them the candy and asked if she could spend some moments with them, or if they every once in a while could come and visit with her. It was clear she was lonely. As such, instead of spending the holidays alone at home, try to visit with your friends and family. Or you could flip it. Visit some elderly or children in our homes without family or friends.

7) Exercise during the season. Even if it’s a quick 10-minute walk, or dancing alone in your house, try to get your heart rate up and release mood-boosting endorphins.

8) If you’ve experienced a sudden or recent break-up, your emotions may still be raw, and you want to remain secluded in trying to deal with your feelings as your heart hurts. But, instead of sitting at home alone, fill up your calendar with activities. Don’t get sucked into the trap of trying to figure it out.

9) Avoid overeating or gorging yourself with food. Some of the best food comes out now. Do not use food as a comfort and fall into the temptation of, “Oh, I can diet in January,” or “I need something sweet to make it all go away. Eating too many simple sugars may increase your risk for depression, mood disorders, and several chronic health issues. Muffins, pastries, cakes, and other prepared baked goods may taste good, but they may also trigger depression. Researchers found that individuals who ate the most baked goods had a 38 per cent higher risk of depression than individuals who ate the least number of baked goods.

10) Remember, you are not alone in your feelings or daily challenges, so reaching out for help is okay by sharing with a friend or family member you can trust. Or find a counsellor who may keep in touch with you or tell you if you need medical help.

Indeed, “Christmas a come,” and everybody “want dem lama”, but do not be burdened with ending the year feeling anxious to tick all of society’s checkboxes.

Try to cope with the season as best as possible and share how you feel to manage expectations with your friends and family. You may also want to plan for eventualities in January 2024 and not leave yourself dry, especially if you have an early pay cycle in December and a late one next month.

Finally, if traffic and congestion elevate your stress, stay off the roads in the peak hours when there’s a crazy rush by everyone.

Here’s to finding our sense of relaxation as the holidays draw closer.

Lisa Hanna is Member of Parliament for St Ann South Eastern, People’s National Party spokesperson on foreign affairs and foreign trade, and a former Cabinet member.