New Year's Eve comes with a mixed feelings of relief and despair. People may find difficult to shake themselves of lingering sadness as they say goodbye to the passing year to remember its last moments.
Festivals and holidays are known to be mentally taxing. According to recent research the New Year's Eve can even be considered as the "most depressing day of the year."
Let us have a look about the possible factors that could make New Year's Eve so hard on mental health.
Its emphasis on reflection is what sets New Year's Eve/ Day apart from other holidays, and this can make it particularly upsetting. At the new year, it is difficult not to reassess and become self critical at least a bit.
Anytime when you reflect on past, can potentially make you feel more depressed. Especially if you feel like you don't measure up in comparison to others. It is often the time when we are more likely to think or reflect upon our achievements or lack of it. Failure to reach certain goals, health issues, major professional set backs, etc particularly can feel very heavy at the end of year.
For those who have already been diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder, the winter of December end can worsen unpleasant feelings and depression. There is a pressure to socialise, party, go out that can act as a stressor as those who are depressed find leaving the house difficult. Letting social convention dictate what you do rather than doing what feels best for you can risk you for anxiety and depression.
It is the day when one focusses more on future and hopes of new year to come. With low mood and morale, those who are suffering from depression may, unfortunately, be feeling more dread than hope as they look forward to the new year.
It is important to know that It's okay to feel depressed or anxious. Sadness and anxiety are normal human emotions, but they can become dangerous if they become extremely intense and prolonged. In such a case, it is advisable simply vocalise your feelings to close ones, or seek professional help.
Dr. Pankaj Borade (M.D.Psychiatry) is a psychiatrist in Pune. He is a consultant at Mind Matters clinic and Ruby Hall Clinic Hospital in Pune City. More articles or information can be found at our website or on our Facebook page. Contact at pankajborade@onlymindmatters.com