Reasons for the blues: Covid-not being able to be with family Stress: Shopping, cooking and planning family events when you’re already overworked and tired can be overwhelming. Finances. Not enough money or the fear of not having enough to buy gifts leads to sadness and guilt. The loss of jobs during COVID has created a great deal of stress and guilt this season. Loneliness. Currently 43 percent of Americans are single, and 27 percent of Americans live alone. Age, mobility and illness may also create loneliness. Grief. Grief and loss, especially during COVID is large contributor of the holiday blues Divorce. If you’re newly divorced, the holidays may remind you of happier times and accentuate your grief. It’s especially difficult for adult children of divorce who have to balance seeing two sets of parents. Estrangement. Separation from a family member or friend can create feelings of guilt, sadness, resentment and discomfort when deciding to attend an event. Pleasing. Trying to please all of your relatives – deciding what to get, whom to see, and what to do – can make you feel guilty and like you’re not doing enough, which leads to depression. Mental health issues: preexisting depression, anxiety, unresolved grief, OCD, SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and other issues may exacerbate the holiday blues. Depression-The signs of depression are feelings of sadness, worthlessness or guilt, crying, loss of interest in usual activities, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, social withdrawal, and changes in sleep, weight, or appetite. If these symptoms are severe or continue for a few weeks, more than the holidays may be the cause. Some measures you can take to cope with the holiday blues include: Embrace your imperfections: Don’t allow perfectionism to wear you down. Remember it’s being together and goodwill that matters. Make plans in advance, so you know how and with whom your holidays will be spent. Uncertainty and putting off decision-making add enormous stress. During Covid- plan virtual gatherings with different people, and if you're comfortable, plan outdoor activities if where you live the weather allows for it. Ask for help from your family and children. Women tend to think they have to do everything, when a team effort can be more fun. Pay it forward: Self-care: Make time to rest and rejuvenate even amid the pressure of getting things done. Limit alcohol intake Exercise Watch your carbs and sugar intake Be honest: Shame prevents people from being open about gift-giving when they can’t afford it. Instead of struggling to buy a gift, let your loved ones know how much you care and would like to, but can’t afford it. That intimate moment will relieve your stress and nourish you both. Don’t isolate. Reach out to others who also may be lonely. If you don’t have someone to be with, volunteer to help those in need. It can be very uplifting and gratifying. Seek professional help. Suicide hotline number 800-273-8255 Show Notes: If you would like to attend the 19th Annual John and Elizabeth Toy Drive, virtually or you would like to donate as mentioned in the show: Donate online https://sslwomen.org/donate/ Purchase online raffle tickets- https://sslwomen.org/event/raffle/ You DO NOT need to be present to win. Drawing will be done on Dec 9th. $25-buys toys for 2 kids $$50-buys toys for 5 kids and $100-buys toys for 10 kids. Purchase a ticket for the 19th Annual John & Elizabeth's Toy Drive and Virtual Fundraiser event (happy hour, comedy show and live music) on Dec. 9th from 6:30pm-9pm. Check back in a few days on the website to register SSLwomen.org Write a check to Suits, Stilettos and Lipstick Foundation and mail it to 1007 N. Federal Hwy #237, Fort Lauderdale, Fl. 33304. Write on the note "CBA- donation for toy drive"