For those who do not struggle with emotional problems during the holidays it is hard to imagine this time of year being anything but joyful. Unfortunately, there are many people who see this time of year as exactly the opposite. The days from Thanksgiving to New Years may even spur depression that has been lingering under the surface for many months. Following these strategies can help you or a loved one get through the season.

Journal
Those who write about their feelings when they are sad or depressed tend to deal with problems better than those who do not take the time. It is important to face your problems head on and get to the bottom of them. Take 15 minutes a day to reflect on how you are feeling.

Avoid alcohol
When you're feeling blue you might be tempted to have a drink or two, but alcohol actually makes you more depressed. If you are attending holiday parties where alcohol is being served, try to resist the urge to drink by sticking with non-alcoholic beverages.

Get creative
Many people go into debt this time of year because they feel the need to buy gifts they cannot afford or have not budgeted for. If you need to buy someone a gift but you do not have money, find something you can make or give them a gift certificate for a service you can provide, such as watching their kids while they have a night out or a voucher for a home cooked dinner.

Change things up
If your holiday routine has changed because of the loss of a loved one, try starting your own traditions. Start a new holiday friends' dinner or attend a church service. When you expect something to happen and it doesn't, you feel lousy. Create new expectations.

Limit commitments
We try to do too many things during the holidays and get stressed out when we cannot accomplish everything we set out to do. Instead of committing yourself to too many activities, try choosing the ones that are most important to you and saying no to the others.

Get fresh air
Take time to exercise, even if it means going outside in the cold. Exercise releases endorphins, the body's natural antidepressants. If you are in an area where it snows you can knock two birds out with one stone by heading outside to shovel the driveway. If you do not have a driveway, give me a call and I will give you my address.

Show thanks
Remind yourself that you really do have a great life. Be grateful for the wonderful things you have and all the positive things that have happened in the past year. Call friends that will be supportive and make you feel less lonely. Tell them how glad you are for their friendship.