The holidays are often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but for many people, they bring feelings of stress, loneliness, and overwhelming sadness. If you’re struggling emotionally this season, you’re not alone.
While it’s normal to experience temporary “holiday blues,” ongoing sadness or hopelessness could signal holiday depression or another underlying mood disorder. Understanding the difference and seeking appropriate help—whether through self-care, therapy, or treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)—can make this season more manageable and meaningful.
Holiday blues are typically temporary, characterized by mild sadness, stress, or fatigue. These feelings are often triggered by seasonal pressures such as:
Clinical depression, however, is more severe and persistent. It causes deep hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, and difficulty functioning in daily life. If your sadness extends beyond the holiday season or significantly impacts your ability to work, maintain relationships, or care for yourself, it may be time to seek professional support.
Some people also experience Seasonal Affective Disorder—a form of depression linked to reduced sunlight exposure during winter months. SAD can intensify existing symptoms and make the holiday season particularly challenging.
If you notice the following symptoms persisting for more than two weeks, it may indicate clinical depression rather than temporary seasonal sadness:
If you’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm, please reach out for help immediately. Depression is treatable, and support is available.
Release the pressure to create a “perfect” holiday experience. Focus on genuine connection and meaningful moments rather than Pinterest-worthy perfection. Remember that authentic experiences matter more than flawless execution.
It’s not only okay to decline stressful invitations—it’s an act of self-care. Prioritize activities that genuinely nourish you and politely say no to obligations that drain your emotional reserves.
Despite holiday disruptions, try to preserve consistent sleep schedules, nutritious eating patterns, and regular physical activity. These foundations stabilize your mood and energy levels.
Make time for activities that genuinely bring you peace—reading, listening to music, spending time in nature, or pursuing creative hobbies. Small, restorative moments accumulate into meaningful mood improvements.
Take a few minutes daily to acknowledge what’s going well in your life. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, or simple gratitude journaling can help calm your nervous system and shift your perspective.
Isolation intensifies depression. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or support groups. Authentic connection is one of the most powerful protections against depression.
Physical activity naturally boosts endorphins and improves mood regulation. Even gentle movement—like walking, stretching, or yoga—can make a significant difference in how you feel.
While alcohol might seem to ease stress temporarily, it’s actually a depressant that can worsen mood and disrupt sleep quality. Moderation is key during holiday celebrations.
Professional help becomes important when sadness feels overwhelming, interferes with daily functioning, or persists beyond the holiday season. Treatment options include therapy, medication, or innovative approaches like TMS therapy.
At Kayenta in Las Vegas, we offer Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS)—a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment that uses magnetic pulses to rebalance underactive brain regions involved in mood regulation.
Deep TMS may be particularly beneficial if you:
Unlike antidepressants, TMS directly stimulates the brain areas responsible for mood regulation, often providing relief for people who haven’t found success with traditional treatments.
Beyond TMS, Kayenta also offers talk therapy services, allowing you to receive coordinated, comprehensive mental health care in one convenient location. Many patients benefit from combining TMS with therapy for optimal, lasting results.
How long does TMS treatment take? A typical course includes 20-30 sessions over 4-6 weeks. Each session lasts approximately 20 minutes with no downtime, so you can return to your normal activities immediately afterward.
When do patients notice results from TMS? Many people begin experiencing mood improvements within 2-4 weeks of starting treatment, with continued improvement throughout the full treatment course.
Does insurance cover TMS therapy? We currently accept Aetna, United Healthcare, Sierra Health & Life, and UMR, with additional providers being added regularly. Our team can help verify your specific coverage.
If the holiday season feels more overwhelming than joyful, remember—you’re not alone, and holiday depression is more common than many people realize. With appropriate support and care, healing is absolutely possible.
Prioritize rest, maintain healthy boundaries, stay connected to supportive people—and don’t hesitate to seek professional help when you need it. Whether through self-care practices, talk therapy, or Deep TMS treatment, taking care of your mental health is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give yourself this season.
Ready to explore your options? Start by completing our TMS screening form online or call us at (702) 438-7800 to complete it with our receptionist.
Next steps: Once reviewed, you will receive a free phone consultation then you will be scheduled for a TMS Evaluation to determine if Deep TMS is right for you.
You deserve peace, balance, and genuine hope—this holiday season and far beyond.
Contact Kayenta in Las Vegas today to begin your journey toward lasting mental health and emotional wellness.
