WASHINGTON (TNND) — As the holiday season comes to a close, many Americans are experiencing stress, fatigue, and what is often referred to as the post-holiday blues. Josef Witt-Doerring, a senior fellow of psychiatry with the Independent Medical Alliance, explained that these feelings are common and can stem from unmet expectations, emotional highs and lows, financial strain, loneliness, and the abrupt return to daily routines.
Josef Witt-Doerring, a senior fellow of psychiatry with the Independent Medical Alliance, explained that these feelings are common and can stem from unmet expectations, emotional highs and lows, financial strain, loneliness, and the abrupt return to daily routines. (TNND)
Witt-Doerring emphasized that feeling low during this time is a normal response. “I just want to take the pressure off right now. If you’re having a bad time during the holidays, that is really normal,” he said. He advised distinguishing between a temporary slump and more serious health concerns, noting that serious issues arise when individuals are unable to get out of bed or have dark thoughts.
Witt-Doerring also discussed seasonal affective disorder, which often occurs during the fall and winter months, when days are shorter. He noted that some people are sensitive to light changes, while others experience lifestyle shifts that contribute to feelings of depression. “You might be a lot more active during the summer months… and when the winter months come around, you stay inside, and you start to isolate a lot more,” he said.
To manage the transition back to normal routines, Witt-Doerring suggested reflection and addressing any necessary life changes. He recommended maintaining a routine, staying physically active, and socially connected. “Stay curious about things that might need to change in your life,” he advised.
For those struggling with thoughts of suicide, Witt-Doerring urged reaching out to trusted health professionals, friends, or visiting an emergency room for immediate help. “It’s a safe place to be while we rally our social resources and make sure we can get you the help that you need,” he said.
For more information, visit IMAhealth.org.