Hi Yes for me this time of the season causes me great amounts of anxiety . With the holidays brings more expectations put on me, like having to attend events that stir up my social anxiety & panic attacks. Im also very self concious about my weight and wishing i weighed less when seeing family members visiting from out of town for the holidays. But the weight is due to my meds which id rather have some peace and be on the heavier side. The biggest cause of my seasonal depression is not having certain loved ones around (that have passed on) Im grateful this holiday season to have found Ds and have friends to support each other during this time of season!! Holiday blessings to all ( = ^ D

Yep. I seem to feel this extra heaviness and anxiousness. I don't even have a big family and don't have to do much social gathering but I still feel the pressure. I have a combo of anxiety and depressed feelings. I have been doing ok with the depression but I have to keep an eye on it. Today I felt I had to push myself to do things.
I don't know why I get like this. I don't like the holidays. I don't want to be alone but then I don't want to be around a ton of people either. I feel pressure in the atmosphere. Like it's in the air.

I was in a store in October and there was Halloween items in one aisle. Thanksgiving items in another and then Christmas stuff in another aisle. and tv doesn't help either as programming and commercials build it all up.

It's not only the holiday season but the weather change. Where I live It's cold and dark and grey skies. I don't like these dark short days.
I am putting lights on at 5pm and closing my blinds because it is dark already.

I too suffer more anxiety and depression this time of year. I no longer use alcohol as a way to deal with my anxiety. Therefore large family gatherings are very difficult. I also live in the midwest where it is now dark after work. I use to walk a lot before work and now I cannot do so. Need to get a gym membership because excercise does help.

I'm new to this site and so glad to have found it..

I feel more sad than anxious. I want to give more than I can. My husband is on disability and we have hospital bills still unpaid...

It is stressful to be invited to so many parties/events and "bring a gift or make something to eat" It is hard to say no.

My family and close friends know my struggles so they understand.

Yes- My anxiety increases 10 FOLD. I also have PTSD so memories of my childhood abuse hit me more some years then others. This is one of those years. I saw my shrink and he switched my anti-anxiety med. I continue to work on my issues with my therapist. It gets so frustrating to go thru this year after year (or feels like it). My narcassitic brother is not coming to stay for the holiday this year......what a relief.

I try to keep it real simple - I make xmas cookies and homemade chocolates for gifts - I'm on disability. Not alot of xmas functions as my family is out of state. Or, I should say ; I am out of state lol.
I have been waking up with physical panic in the early hours ;wide awake. I hope my new med works.

I actually got into the holiday ritual of going golfing on xmas days; its amazing the number of peoplle on the course just "gettin thru it" too!

I wish you peace and relief.

Mo

A tip:
One of my very best Christmas days ever was a time in college. I was lonely, depressed, anxious, and struggling with alcohol. A college teacher, who was an absolute angel, invited me to spend Christmas day with her volunteering at delivering Christmas gifts and food to needy families thru her church. It was an all day affair. I doubt I gave one thought to myself the entire day and just got lost in trying to be a blessing to others. It was an awesome Christmas.

Yes, for me. I feel sadness for past regrets. My mom also died this year. It is my first Christmas without her. I worry about gifts and money too. It makes me emotional and my anxiety worse.