'Oh, just cheer up
Tips on beating those holiday blues

The Los Angeles Department of Mental Health reminds citizens of Los Angeles and Ventura counties to take care of themselves during this busy holiday season. With the holiday season just around the corner, so are the comforting seasonal images of cheer, family get-togethers, college and professional football games, lavish meals, rush of shopping and sharing of gifts. But for some, the holidays are a source of sadness. The period between Thanksgiving and New Year's can offer unwanted reminders of loss.

For example, the death of a loved one, financial loss or a recent divorce. There are a number of other factors that can contribute to the "holiday blues," including troubled family relationships, fatigue, seasonal depression, unmet expectations, traumainvoking images in the news/ Internet and financial constraints.

"The holidays come at the end of the year where people tend to evaluate what they have and have not done this year," said Dr. Tony Beliz, deputy director of the Department of Mental Health's Emergency Outreach Bureau. "If they feel they have not improved their lives or have experienced one or more setbacks, it may lead to emotional distress. People struggling with the holiday blues may experience feelings of sadness, tension, stress, lack of sleep and energy, diminished interest in favorite activities, or excessive drinking or eating."

The following are some suggestions for coping with the "holiday blues": •Set reasonable goals. Avoid overextending yourself during the holidays, plan ahead and stick to a budget. •Have reasonable expectations. If your holidays are not perfect, that is okay. Be clear about what is really important to you. •Get enough rest. Set aside time for rest and relaxation during the holiday season. •Avoid dwelling on past failures, losses or disappointments. If you find yourself focusing on unpleasant thoughts, refocus on positive things and push yourself to pleasurable or relaxing activities such as walking or visiting with friends. •Focus on the positive. Instead of worrying about what you have not done in the past years, focus on all that is positive that has happened to you. •Do not overindulge in alcohol or food. Enjoy the holiday meals in moderation, because excessive drinking and eating will make you feel worse. •Keep a sense of humor. Fortunately, the "holiday blues" are temporary and usually resolve within a couple of weeks after the holiday season. If you or someone you know has shown a marked change in energy patterns or struggles with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it is advisable to seek professional help immediately or call the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health's ACCESS telephone line at (800) 854-7771.

The ACCESS Center never closes.