When It’s Not the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year”: Navigating Holiday Depression & SAD

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While the holiday season is often marketed as the "most wonderful time of the year," the reality for many is a mix of pressure, loneliness, and seasonal depression. In this very special episode, Barb is joined by returning guest and mental health therapist Jackie Adams to explore why this season can be so difficult and how to navigate it with your mental health intact. Together, they unpack the differences between the common "winter blues" and clinically diagnosed Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), discussing the physiological impact that shorter days and darker evenings have on our well-being.

The conversation moves beyond the weather to address the heavy emotional weight of the holidays, offering advice for those coping with family estrangement, navigating life after divorce, or managing financial stress during an expensive time of year. Jackie shares a wealth of practical strategies to help listeners stop ruminating and "get out of their heads," ranging from the physical benefits of light box therapy and Vitamin D to the mental shifts found in gratitude journaling and volunteering. They also discuss the importance of setting boundaries, whether that means avoiding heated political discussions at the dinner table or giving yourself full permission to "opt-out" of the commercial holiday hype entirely. If you are feeling overwhelmed or isolated this season, this episode offers a compassionate reminder to prioritize your own peace and create traditions that actually serve you.

For those wishing to connect with Jackie directly, she can be reached via email at [e-mail].

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