MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Though little data exists to prove direct evidence that holiday depression occurs beyond Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), there seems to be a pattern surrounding higher levels of depression and anxiety during the holiday season; especially for those separated from their families and friends.

For some, the holidays are a reminder of absent family members or broken relationships, many estranged through addiction or disorders that individuals have worked to overcome. This sadness is likely due to the individual’s comparison of personal loss to the festivities and evidence of love and cheer during the holiday season.

When in need of emotional recovery, it can be difficult to distinguish between general mood disturbances that can hit during the winter months and a type of clinical depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). However, for those in need of recovery from any type of emotional trauma, group therapy may be the best answer to making it through a challenging time of year.

“Although many in recovery have tumultuous relationships with their families and friends and may feel alone during the holidays, strangers can serve as a type of family that share their love, empathy and compassion for an individual’s current situation,” says Larry Campbell, a Celebrate Recovery (CR) participant and volunteer.

Forty years ago, Campbell was the recipient of strangers’ love on Christmas Eve. In the wake of his divorce, he sought to self-medicate with alcohol and found himself staying very late at a bar commiserating with another man who was in a similar, lonely, desperate situation. At the end of the evening, the bartender and her husband offered Campbell and his drunken bar-mate a place to stay and sober up so they did not have to be alone on Christmas Eve. The experience left an impression on him; he realized that being in the company of compassionate strangers sparks hope for those who may no longer find love and warmth through their own relationships, especially during the holiday season.

“The Celebrate Recovery family welcomes all, whether they are lonely, mentally unhealthy, grieving, angry, or even related to those battling an addiction,” Campbell says.

CR aims to help others find peace during a time that may be personally challenging. The group wants to show those going through the recovery process that it is possible to experience the joys of the season and leave stress and emotional baggage behind, even for a short moment. This progress requires making a commitment seek help; CR welcomes all with open arms.

In addition to group therapy sessions, CR offers tips for getting through the season when you are prone to emotional discomfort:

  • Be gentle with your expectations of yourself and others. Set realistic goals.
  • Don’t try to do it all. Say no to responsibilities than you can’t handle.
  • Prioritize the important activities.
  • Don’t set too high of standards for just one day (i.e. Christmas).
  • Focus on enjoying the present moment. Reminiscing about good times and making future plans are positive, but don’t worry about what you can’t change or control.
  • Remember to take time for yourself to recharge your spiritual and physical well-being.
  • Shape a holiday your way without comparing it to what others are doing.
  • Connect in socially meaningful ways. This doesn’t mean trying to attend all the Christmas parties you were invited to if that feels overwhelming, but seek connections with loved ones and participate in group activities, such as through church or volunteer opportunities.
  • Reach out to those you’ve lost touch with.
  • Limit your consumption of alcohol. Excessive drinking can increase feelings of depression.
  • Try celebrating the holiday in a new way.
  • Spend time with supportive people.
  • Keep track of holiday spending. Overspending can lead to stress when the bills arrive, especially if there is little budget to pay them.

Please plan to join Celebrate Recovery for the candlelight service on December 23, the Wednesday evening before Christmas. It’s a time to lighten the load by sharing your experiences with other empathetic hearts and minds. Through Christ, healing is possible.

Celebrate Recovery meets each Wednesday beginning with a light meal at 6 p.m., worship at 7 p.m. and open share groups at 8:10 p.m. Newcomers are always welcome, childcare is provided and transportation can be arranged. For more information, visit www.CRMaryvilleTN.com, call the church at (865) 982-1273 or Larry Campbell at (865) 643-7627.