This week on Health Watch, we’ve been talking about getting ready for the holidays. While you’re making all these preparations, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Whether you’re overwhelmed with many activities and demands or feeling lonely at this time of year, some preparation can help you beat the holiday blues.

Dr. Madhukar Trivedi, a psychiatrist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says the holiday blues are different from clinical depression and are often caused by the contrast between our expectations of the holiday season and the reality. This time of year may be especially difficult for those who aren’t around friends or family and who see the loving, happy gatherings depicted in the media as an ideal they can’t achieve. To prevent the holiday blues, take care of yourself by eating properly, getting enough sleep, getting regular exercise and avoiding drinking too much alcohol. Keep loneliness at bay by getting involved in your community. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities at this time of year.

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/mentalhealth to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in psychiatry.