Don’t let depression be on your Christmas list

Between now and Jan. 2, you will be inundated with wishes of, “Merry Christmas,” “Happy New Year,” and “Happy holidays.”

But being happy and merry is not always as easy as it sounds if you are prone to depression or anxiety, as many of us are.  This is especially true for truck drivers who may be on the road and missing family events, their kids’ school concerts and other festive activities that make the season special.

The folks at WedMD offered “19 tips for coping with holiday stress and depression,” and among them are:

• Make realistic expectations for the holiday season.
• Be realistic about what you can and cannot do.
• Don’t set yourself up for disappointment and sadness by comparing today with the good old days of the past.
• Limit your drinking, since excessive drinking will only increase your feelings of depression.
• Make time for yourself.
• Keep track of your holiday spending. Overspending can lead to depression when the bills arrive after the holidays are over.

And, if things do get bad, keep the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline handy: 800-273-8255.