Christmas is looming and I can feel it dragging me down

[MilkshakeMonkey]

Have had depression issues most of my adult life (in fact probably since a teenager). After years of on and off treatments both medical and therapeutical I seem to be fairly settled on Fluoxetine.
I still get down but not as low as I have been (eg not self harming).
Every year when Christmas comes I have a massive set back and last year I vowed it would be the last Christmas like it. The last few months I've been pretty good, even forgot to take meds the odd time. Have been functioning well, thought I would be fine for Christmas. But the last few days, I can feel it. I'm not coping with the pressures, the kids, the housework - I'm sat here crying while the kids are in the next room watching tv.

I need something to get me through this and I really don't know what. I find it really hard to get an appointment with my preferred doctor and I can't physically get there before Tuesday.

Is there any meds I can take on top of Fluoxetine to help my anxiety? If not I don't see the point in going to the docs anyway

Monkey,,
Do be careful with these meds.. They are often very powerful and not to be toyed with.

I know I had to have full bloods and renal checks before being given Valproate Semisodium as it can bugger your liver...

Sorry to hear you are feeling so low. I am in a similar situation to you except I am not taking medication. I never have done - just coped without it - just!

If you do not mind me asking what is the connection with Christmas?

I think it's partly the expectation-"the most wonderful time of the year" "magical Christmas " & its often not. It's so much stress for one day. December has to evolve around it.
The kids get too much (despite me asking family not to get so much) and that makes the house even messier. They don't appreciate what they get.

Also in part some sadder Christmas' gone by. Although I find I reflect less on this each year.

Ya know what really helped me at Xmas. Allowing my feelings to come and go. The minute I demanded jolly festive me the other side of things came back from nowhere. It really is OK to be stressed at Xmas, not to always enjoy it etc. I think if you let go of expectation and use mindfulness for allowing feelings it really does loosen the grip of darker moods.