The holiday season is supposed to be a happy time spent with family and close friends but there are some who feel lonely and anxious as the holiday season approaches. Holiday depression and anxiety is caused by the inability to be with family, expectations that are unrealistic, and financial stress. Now add COVID to the mix and it is a fair guess that many more people will be affected.
The pandemic is forcing families to reconsider holiday gatherings. It has also dramatically increased the number of families who have food insecurity and a larger number who have financial difficulties. With this reality, many feel overwhelmed by the perceived demands of the holiday season. Now throw in post-holiday sadness, which is caused by unmet 2020 expectations, and it is a recipe for disaster. While all this may seem daunting, you can manage holiday depression with hypnosis.
How to Identify Holiday Depression
Most people do not think they are depressed because they simply chalk it up to stress but there are some telltale signs that you might be suffering from holiday depression. Symptoms of holiday depression can include:
Irritability
Emotional eating
Impulsive and erratic behavior
Excessive alcohol use
Feeling overwhelmed
Isolation
Difficulty sleeping
Manage Holiday Depression with Hypnosis
Hypnosis can be very effective in addressing holiday depression and anxiety because it taps into the part of the mind where our memories are stored. This part of the mind, the unconscious, filters information and creates both positive and negative associations. These associations and filters impact our beliefs and emotions.
Based on past experiences, we may unconsciously associate the holidays with loneliness and financial stress. In hypnosis these associations can be changed. To put it simply, a certified hypnotist can change the way you perceive the holiday season. The unconscious mind can be programmed to set realistic expectations as to what is within your power to do.
What is Hypnosis Anyway
Hypnosis is a focused yet relaxed state that we all experience. When you lose yourself in a book, a work project, a movie, a hobby, or a concert you are experiencing a light hypnotic state. It is important to note that hypnosis is not sleep or relinquishing control to a hypnosis practitioner.
A certified hypnotist is simply someone who is trained to help you experience hypnosis and to give positive suggestions for change to your unconscious mind. Change can be in the form of breaking bad habits, changing the way you perceive something, or overcoming a fear. Because hypnosis is so relaxing, many people report feeling recharged and rested afterwards.
Scientific Data Supporting Hypnosis for Depression
Scientific research has shown that the mind can be very open to new and more positive thinking when guided into hypnosis. A medical study comparing 2 groups of patients suffering from depression – one treated with CBT and the other receiving hypnotherapy along with CBT, found that 75% of the hypnosis patients fared dramatically better.
How Hypnosis Helps You Feel Better
After being guided into a relaxed state of hypnosis the mind can be trained to help you:
Enjoy the holiday department store windows without feeling the need to shop.
Limit Alcohol intake and eating unhealthy foods
Reconnect with supportive family and friends
Take time to connect with nature or any relaxing exercise
If you or someone you know is suffering from holiday depression, it is probably time to consider hypnotherapy. Experience natural relief from holiday depression with hypnosis.