What helps you keep your spirits up when you are struggling with depression around this time? Although I like aspects of the holidays, such as the pretty decorations and scented candles, there's a lot that makes me emotional.
I feel it brings up a lot of losses both very recent and past that I've experienced. It's been a hard year. Plus, things with family have been rather tumultuous and not the way they used to be, although I am hoping for things to go smoothly with a select few family members.

Plus, I've been cycling between mixed mania and depression. My anxiety is very high, and that is a big problem. New Year's is sometimes worse than Christmas, for some reason. It forces me to think about how I am supposed to be celebrating and excited for a full new year, but it just makes me reflect on all the challenges. Also, I have not been intentionally standoffish towards people, but I am more withdrawn than usual. I don't want to be. I even try to "pretend", but it is forced and it doesn't fool everyone. Someone pointed out the other day that I "seem nervous" when I was trying to play it cool, and it made me feel even worse, because I am trying so hard to keep it together.

So feel free to post anything at all that helps through the holidays, or if you want to share your own experiences. Thanks