Content Overview 
- Summary
- Revise holiday activities to fit your current physical and emotional condition and to include people you care about. Don't over extend yourself..
- Look at past holiday stressors to see what has previously helped you cope and move forward.
- If you are in treatment, talk to your doctor about taking time off during the holidays or changing your schedule.
- Keep your expectations realistic.
- Prioritize your activities.
- If you're not physically or emotionally up to going shopping, or you are not allowed in holiday crowds, shop online or from catalogues.
- If a money crunch is causing stress, focus on the real meaning of the holiday. Reign in spending with a budget.
- Live healthy. Don't over indulge. Exercise. Get rest.
- If you are dealing with grief, use the holidays to help finish your grieving.
- Share your feelings. As Art Linkletter said, "Laughter is the best medicine." It's okay to cry.
- Build in alone time
- Practice forgiveness
- If you're lonely... get busy. Consider volunteering.
- Accept what you can't change.
- If you make resolutions, keep them doable.
- Practice coping mechanisms, including renewing spirituality.
- If seasonal decrease in sunlight causes you to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), get treatment.
- If you are going to travel, talk with your doctor about any special travel needs. Prepare.
- Use the holiday as a time to share memories and to make new ones.
- If none of the above work for you, call your doctor or other medical practitioner.
How To Cope With Holiday Stress & Depression & Colorectal Cancer
If none of the above work for you, call your doctor or other medical practitioner.
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There is a difference between the “holiday blues” and depression. If despite the best efforts, you continue to feel sad and anxious and are unable to shake off these feelings beyond a few weeks, or if you are unable to carry on your normal daily activities, you may be dealing with more than just holiday stress. Reach out for help from your doctor, social worker, or other healthcare provider without delay.
Cancer is a life-threatening illness that has an impact on a person’s emotional well-being. A cancer diagnosis can seem devastating, even in the early stages. You don’t have to go through it alone. Studies show there is a higher suicide risk soon after diagnosis. Treatment can be hard to get through, but there are people available to help you through every step. Don’t be afraid to reach out. Feeling overwhelmed with despair, lack of support, and uncontrolled physical symptoms can all lead to depression and suicidal thoughts.
No one has to suffer with physical or emotional pain. Circumstances in life are constantly changing, as do feelings, no matter how hopeless the situation may seem at the moment. Discuss these feelings with your doctor and health care team, and/or clergy, especially if you begin to make a plan to take your own life. Depression can be treated and medication can help you through a difficult time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. (For information about depression and dealing with it, click here.)
Sometimes asking for help can be the most courageous thing we do.
If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline right away at 800.273.TALK (800.273.8255), or call 911, or go to the nearest Emergency Room.