Post-Holiday Depression: A Spiritual Message From Self? (Part 2 of 3)

Last updated on: April 6, 2016 at 7:47 pm by kathleenokeefe

Post-Holiday Depression: A Spiritual Message From Self? (Part 2 of 3) 2016-04-03T19:54:41-06:00 kathleenokeefe

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Quote: “Just because life throws something at you doesn’t mean you have to catch it and keep it.”~ Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos

Why are you starting to feel so depressed after the best parties of the year have just finished?

Stress and depression go together like peanut butter and jelly. Believe it or not, just as peanut butter is a super food, depression can be an important part of your spiritual health. And, according to recent studies, post-holiday depression may be quite normal. Part one of this blog focused on the many possible causes of post-holiday depression. Now that we know why we may have it, let’s explore what we can we do to be rid of it? This article focuses on natural and holistic solutions found in studies cited in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, and Psych Central. Persistent or debilitating depression may require medical care.

To overcome stress or depression we need to make lifestyle assessments and adjustments.

Just because life or friends throw something difficult your way does not mean you have to catch and hold onto it for dear life. That something includes insults or negative relationships. You can choose to duck or move out of the way. And, if you do decide to catch it, take a good look at it. Then make the conscious decision to either keep it or drop it and walk away. Yes, you can!

Depression is an opportunity.

Stress and Depression can be incredible professors from the University of Hard Knocks who can help you realization that how people treat you is their Karma, how you respond to them is yours. However, not all relationships or situations should be avoided or dropped.

Most broken bones can be mended, as can many relationships. Embrace what can be fixed.

And, that is when we may learn one of Psychology’s most important life-lessons—the quickest way to change someone’s behavior is to change yours first because they will naturally respond differently to the new you.

When your heart brakes, your body falls.

Depression can help you take time out for yourself. It can teach the importance of self- respect, honor, and putting ourselves first, and to choose to change or walk away from bad habits, relationships, and situations.

These are valuable lessons for life. Draw new boundaries with which you can live. When you focus on respecting them others will follow your lead.

A friend once asked me, “How can I just quit my job or walk away from my relationship if that is what is depressing or killing me.”

Her question was answered by these questions. “Are you worried about letting down your job and relationship or yourself? Will they survive tomorrow if you are not around? Will you thrive if they are gone? You cannot hold a gift if your hands are full, especially something heavy to carry. Put something down.”

To accomplish this, the next time you feel overwhelmed take a step back and reassess your life. Check your inner-baggage; the useless stuff you have accumulated. You may be surprised by how bogged down you may have become by emotional baggage that is not yours. Simply drop it. It is so easy to unconsciously pick up other people’s emotional suitcases rather than respecting their right to carry them, or not. In part three of this series on post-holiday depression, we will discuss breaking old habits that may be the cause of stress and depression.

KOK sm pic ABOUT THE HOST/AUTHOR: Kathleen (Kat) O’Keefe-Kanavos TV/Radio Host/Producer of Wicked Housewives On Cape Cod ™ believes your DREAMS can diagnose your life. She’s Host of the Kat Kanavos Show on New Earth International, Patheos blogger, Author/Lecturer of Award winning, International bestseller, Surviving Cancerland: Intuitive Aspects of Healing: which promotes patient advocacy & connecting with Inner-guidance through Dreams, Prayers & Meditations. Learn more @ www.AccessYourInnerGuide.com

(All pictures and quotes were used with permission from the guest or are owned by the author.)

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