Depression and the Holidays: How to cope?

@Courtney_J I really struggle during this time of year. I don't have the best relationship with my family and I'm an introvert, so it can be hard sometimes at family events. I don't relate well to them I think because of my depression and then I get overwhelmed being surrounded by people non-stop basically from Thanksgiving to New Year's.

And then this year has a whole GLOBAL PANDEMIC thrown on top like the cherry on top of the cake, so I didn't go to my family's for THanksgiving in the hopes that maybe some of us can get together for Christmas. So I've been feeling really isolated and alone.

My depression definitely becomes more intense during the holidays. It starts on November 1st and doesn't get any better until December 31st. I don't think it helps that I'm more or less estranged from my family. I've tried to figure out why but they're not cooperating.

My depression from home life is so bad. Schools closed autistic son no luck with placement can’t cope anymore

I'm sorry for all you're going through with depression and the problems placing your son in a environment that is conducive to his needs.

I have a suggestion. Can a trusted friend or family member come in and take care of your son for a few hours while you leave the house and get a few hours to yourself. You could also check out with a friend or family member to see if you could drop your son off and then if you'd like you could go home and do some self-care like a bath, read a book, watch a movie or even take a nap. It's up to you. I hope this helps.

Jagger 3

Good morning,

The Holidays have been really hard for the last 3 years, you see I lost my Father and my Mom 11 months apart, and the year is going to be even worse because I can't be with my Aunt and cousins that support me through these times. I just thank God that I do get to be with Son, daughter in-law and my 2 Grandsons, here in New Mexico we have a limit of 5 people in a group so we ad up to five, but we still don't get to see each other much because they try to keep me safe, I hate that I already have to deal with this disease which has changed my life already, but now with this virus I feel like I don't have a life anymore.

But I'm trying my best to stay strong and get through this like all of you, I hope everyone tries there best to stay strong through this Holidays and everyday we can do this. Even if you can't have a big Christmas decorate your homes it helps to look at the pretty decorations, and puts a smile on my face and kept me busy putting them up.

God Bless a!! Of you.

@Jagger3 

I understand how it is to be estranged from your family you see I went from being a family of seven I lost my two brothers 6 months apart 10 years ago 4 years ago I lost my mom and 11 months after that I lost my father he left me his home so the two sisters I had don't want nothing to do with me because of that , he knew how sick I was and that I needed it the most I never thought that I would not be working right now but because of this virus I can't I sell real estate so I can't be out in public. The last words I heard from my sister if and when you die if you want us by your deathbed you'll do the right thing and sell the house, so I totally understand what you're going through. God bless

Stay strong those people that don't want to be in our life are negative and you don't need that God will bring you people into your life that may not be your blood but I've learned the blood is not thicker than water so stay strong Merry Christmas

My heart goes out to all of you who are feeling worse because of the expectations dumped on everyone to be all happy merry yada yada.
My family has never been the cozy everyone together kind of family. My grandmothers never expected family to gather, my mom followed their lead. The one Christmas I spent at the family home was frustrating because my sister and I were used to doing things our way since we had lived in the same town for 8 years creating our own traditions. Once my kids were grown and gone, I stopped doing Christmas, totally came out as being an Atheist and started throwing a big party on Winter Solstice. 
My daughter has an 8 yr old so she does do a lovely day for him. This year her niece/my granddaughter flew from Austin TX to Denver CO to be with them. My son is a TV news producer, he always works so his team can do their thing. My sister & BIL have been gone for 3 months to AZ. On December 25 we normally do Dead Actor Day, watching the movies of an actor who died that year. This year we are shifting to Jan. 1 (also my birthday). We typically put the word out to friends who have no place to be to join us. It is always a great day.
This is a long post, I hope it helps anyone feeling lonely to know that you can do it Your Way and take that pressure off yourself. Message me if you would like some support.
Peace and Health

This year has actually been better than many other holiday seasons for me.  I got the depression  out of the way back in mid November with my birthday—always tough for me because it comes at an awkward time and this year worse because of the election uncertainties and renewed worries over COVID getting worse over the winter. By Thanksgiving I had bounced back—COVID didn’t much affect our traditions because I don’t have any family anyway. If anything  the holidays were less awkward than usual. And I really appreciated not having to drive to church in icy conditions. Lovely snow flurries were a bonus! 

hello everyone, I live in NYC and at the begining of covid while elmhurst hospital was storing bodies in the freezer outside that hospital,  I lost 7 friends in one day. and 2 family members.  I have also been in and out of the hospital for the whole year, 5 times with pnemonia, one open heart surgery, one pace maker and i flatlined during my stay at hospital.  I fell like I lost my soul.. But i'm keeping my head up..

 Has anyone tried kefir milk or apple cider vinegar for ulcerative colitis ? What to do with internal hemmroids ? Be blessed. Thanks,it's too lonely no kids ,no family,wish I had a mate !