How to Avoid a Holiday Crisis

Depression, anxiety, anger, frustration - the dark side of the holidays. It's bad enough that the days are short and dark, and the dark itself darkest this time of year. Here are some tips on avoiding the darkness and keeping you spirits up. The list is short, sweet and easy to remember.

DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE ELSE - the best way is to surprise someone - do a chore or a favor for them without asking and watch their face light up. I bet it's contagious and yours will too.

GIVE SOMETHING AWAY - Oh, go ahead and drop a penny in the pot. Then you'll hear those golden words, "Thank you," and they will be for you!

VOLUNTEER - a variant of doing something for others. Gratitude is a great pick me up, and even if you don't get any you'll feel better for helping out.

MAKE LIGHT - Put up some lights - they don't have to be Christmas lights. My favorites were the chili pepper and the chinese lantern lights. I used them year round and turned them on whenever I needed a boost. Try changing a lamp to higher wattage. Put a candle in the window. Light means hope. Have some. 

MAKE LIGHT - Find a reason to laugh. It really does help. It's especially good when it's a friend making you laugh and you returning the favor.

BE WITH OTHERS - Don't be alone. Get a dose of being with others - go to a carol sing or just go sip hot cocoa at the local coffee house;

GET HELP IF YOU NEED IT - If nothing is working and you feel yourself getting to the point of being in crisis, get help. Call your local hospital or crisis intervention team and talk to someone about what might help you.