Extremely debilitating low mood after Christmas?

[SundayIsCalling]

The Christmas blues, as they're called

They hit me hard, and have done so for the last 2 years or so. I'm not really sure why.

I'm a huge fan of the Christmas season. I love how jolly everyone seems (even the grumpier people seem less touchy).

I just find it so hard. My mood gets so low that I often feel a deep sense of sadness and loss. I miss it all so much. I feel somewhat tearful thinking about 'the end'.

I cheer myself up on Boxing Day by heading out at 5.30am for the sales (I have in mind what I'd like before going). But that's not 'the end' of the Christmas season so isn't so bad.

Come New Year's when the clock strikes 12, I absolutely bawl my eyes out. I cry about the whole year, how bittersweet it is that my baby boy was 1 in November and now he will be 2 in 2019!

I just can't handle it all. All those big emotions at once. It's not even 'bad' emotions that I find difficult to handle.
I often go off the rails (in my head only), when something huge but positive happens. It's like I get a bit stuck.

Any advice?

Sounds tough for you, January is a dull month I agree. Are you in a position to be able to book a break away somewhere in Jan/Feb so that you’ve got something to look forward to after Xmas is over?

Paddy Maybe a short hotel break? We are moving house on the 16th so it's all quite up in the air!

I'm finding it all much harder this year because I feel like I'm not 'soaking in' the Christmas spirit much as of yet, since we are moving and both work full time. So it's all quite time restricted etc

But thank you Paddy, a short hotel break sounds fab. I think I'll book it for February, that sounds great

We try to keep a low profile and are just relieved when it's all over. Although the idea of a holiday afterwards is very appealing!

Yes, I think having things planned really helps. We always go long haul over the Easter holidays, which is something to look forward to, but then usually do something small in between too - usually a January Centre Paris trip (bought as a family Xmas present), DH usually goes skiing for a long weekend, I'm trying to book a spa weekend with friends. Theatre tickets, or a nice meal (ask for vouchers for Xmas?). Or plan exciting things for the new home? A nice snug living room to hunker down in.

Or plan a New Year, New You type of thing - exercise (highly recommend Yoga with Adrienne, who does a 30 days of yoga every January - free), or a new hobby. Often there's good films out in January (Oscar season).

I hear you op. I don't enjoy the new year.
I dread it. Sometimes I keep Christmas decorations up.

It's too harsh to whip them down.
Have something to look forward too... Jan hotels are very cheap..

Carrie 74...isn't yoga with adriene always free?

I cheer myself up on Boxing Day by heading out at 5.30am for the sales (I have in mind what I'd like before going). But that's not 'the end' of the Christmas season so isn't so bad.

I would find this deeply depressing. In saying that if it's what you enjoy then I think that it is key. I love hibernating away and enjoying peace and quiet after busy time. I get stuck into a really good book and make some plans for the year. I keep it mainly low key so I can cope with the busy/ intense/emotional bits. I'm completely overwhelmed otherwise. Maybe just decide what you enjoy and really focus on that. If you're moving house you could throw yourself into unpacking/ choosing interiors etc.

Come early Jan I replace all the Christmas lights with tea light holders and candlesticks in shades of pastel, swap festive sofa cushions for lighter ones and get lots of spring like fresh flowers in the house. Helps me! Jan and Feb can be so dark & bleak I need all the help I can get.

I get that BEFORE Christmas :-(

I feel like that before Christmas and in the run up to New Year. Once new year is here I look forward to the summer.
Bloody winter days get longer from new year, the good weather is coming, you can do positive things.
I hate Christmas though, do it because I have to.

I get pre Christmas low mood. In fact am in it now. I'm much happier once it's all over and I love new year.

Momasita, she has lots of free videos, but she also has a subscription service I believe. But just clarifying in case OP hadn't heard of YWA before

I hate it too - in recent years I have started doing a project where I find one happy thing each day and post on social media (for accountability/authenticity) - eg Day 1: savouring a lovely cup of coffee made by my wife, etc. You could post on here, or just keep a list - but it helps to recognise that there are still little things to enjoy and finding the things sort of takes your mind off it all!

I've always found January-March the most gruelling part of the year. I just try to look after my health and be kind to myself.

Even if just a day away, plan something for January or February to look forward to.

I'm doing RED January. It is linked to Mind but you don't have to commit to high levels of fundraising. It's just trying to exercise at some level every day to help beat the feelings that often come in January. Have a google, I have a group of colleagues doing it with me and am going to persuade some of my family!

Last couple of years I've had holidays booked end of January so I have that to look forward to. Could help!