The trigger points of holiday stress and depression Relationships. Relationships can cause turmoil, conflict or stress at any time. But tensions are often heightened during the holidays. Family misunderstandings and conflicts can. On the other hand, if you're facing the holidays without a loved one, you may find yourself especially lonely or sad. Finances. Like your relationships, your financial situation can cause stress at any time of the year. But financial issues during the holidays can put you in a financial spiral that leaves you with depression symptoms such as hopelessness, sadness and helplessness. Overspending or not having enough money can be depressing.

Physical demands. The strain of attending holiday events can wipe you out. Feeling exhausted increases your stress, creating a vicious cycle. High demands, stress, lack of exercise, and overindulgence in food and drink — all are ingredients for holiday illness.

Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression

1. Acknowledge your feelings. Realize that it's normal to feel sadness or grief at this time of year. It's OK now and then to take time just to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season.

2. Seek support. If you feel isolated or down, seek out peer support, friends, or community, religious or social services. They can offer support and companionship. Consider volunteering at a community or religious function. Getting involved and helping others can lift your spirits and broaden your friendships. You don't have to go it alone.

3. Set differences aside. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all your expectations. Practice forgiveness. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. With stress and activity levels high, be understanding if the people around you get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.

4. Stick to a budget. Before you go shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend on gifts and other items. Then be sure to stick to your budget. If you don't, you could feel anxious and tense for months afterward as you struggle to pay the bills.

5. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Steal away to a quiet place, even if it's to the bathroom for a few moments of solitude. Take a walk at night and stargaze. Listen to soothing music. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.

6. Rethink resolutions. Resolutions can set you up for failure if they're unrealistic. Don't resolve to change your whole life to make up for past excess. Instead, try to return to basic, healthy lifestyle routines. Set smaller, more specific goals with a reasonable time frame. Choose only those resolutions that help you feel valuable and that provide more than only fleeting moments of happiness.

7. Forget about perfection. Holiday TV specials are filled with happy endings. But in real life, people don't usually resolve problems within an hour or two. Something always comes up. Accept imperfections in yourself and in others.