Turn Holiday Blues to Red

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Turn Holiday Blues to Red Green Joy

• Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

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Prevalence of Holiday Blues

• 70 Percent of All Americans Experience the
  Holiday Blues

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Why do the blues happen?

• Expectations
• Activities

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Issues That Can Shatter Expectations

• Unrealistic expectations
• Traditions
• Family conflict
• Loss of a family member(s)
• Where to spend the holidays
• Holiday foods affect moods

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How To Beat The Holiday Blues

• Be realistic
• Be flexible
• Practice moderation
• Plan your eating
• Plan some time to help someone else

• Plan ahead
• Organize tasks
• Plan quality time for yourself
• Get plenty of rest
• Limit alcohol consumption

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• Plan Your Holiday Budget

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• Prepare A Gift List

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• Show Appreciation to Others

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• Youre Not Alone

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Signs of Depression That May Require Medical
Attention

• Loss of appetite
• Feeling of hopelessness
• Weight change
• Fatigue, energy loss
• Thoughts of death/suicide
• Loss of interest in activities
• Feeling of isolation

• Personality change
• Change of sleep patterns
• Unresolved grief
• Irritability or sadness
• Inability to concentrate
• Physical pains -- no
• medical explanation