January is supposed to be the time for renewal. We are to make resolutions about what we are going to do differently in the coming year– which is not a bad thing, it's just that it is artificially expected at a time that is difficult for many of us.

With the holidays behind us, it is not unusual to feel an odd combination of relief of the stress lessening mixed with a sense of loss or loneliness. Often the expectations of glorious holiday cheer are met with disappointment and sadness because of memories of people gone from our lives or memories of difficult holidays past.

Some of us may experience this letdown beyond temporary sadness and become depressed. Depression is a state of being that lasts a couple of weeks or more and is intense sadness that disrupts our daily routine, i.e., we don’t want to get out of bed, eat, socialize, etc. lf you feel this way, I encourage you to seek help through therapy and/or medication, as this can get worse without treatment.

Some things you might try to mitigate sadness or loneliness include:

• Prayer is always a good place to start. Give God your grief, sadness, and anger. God is big enough to take it. Really.
• Journal your thoughts and feelings unfiltered, without judgment, honoring your sadness as authentic and valid.
• Talk to those close to you, who love and accept you unconditionally, without shame about your feelings. If they love you, you are not burdening them, but honoring them with your trust.
• Keep an ongoing list of things you’re grateful for and things you like about yourself.
• Be kind to yourself!

Tags: depression, new year's resolutions, seasonal affective disorder, holiday blues