Lex Kogan Explains How Gilroy Residents Can Avoid The Post Holiday Blues

All too familiar with the cyclical nature of depression, Lex Kogan is a proponent of the idea that positive outcomes can result from a deeper understanding of the link between the holiday season and the increased potential for emotional distress. It is for this reason that Kogan has offered residents of Gilroy several strategies for managing the holiday season with the goal of avoiding the post-holiday blues that so many endure as another year begins anew.

It almost seems counterintuitive that the holiday season could trigger a state of depression or a relapse of alcohol or drug addiction, particularly since most associate the season with positive events and enjoyable social gatherings occurring with far greater frequency than any other time of the year. Although friends and family are instrumental when it comes to providing support to an individual struggling with depression or addiction, the interruption of an established and predictable routine can contribute to renewed difficulties.

Kogan notes that the struggles that begin during the holiday season can quickly spiral out of control once the season comes to a close. The sudden absence of friends and family -- along with the aftermath associated with the energy exerted and the stress endured during the season -- creates a void that leads to feelings of depression or, in the case of many recovering addicts, a relapse into drug or alcohol abuse.

Lex Kogan is the founder of Envision Recovery, a therapy and treatment center that often counsels clients who have struggled to overcome opiate addiction during the holiday season. According to Kogan, the most effective strategy is to prepare for the challenges inherent during this particularly stressful season and to cultivate a system of support to ensure help is there when needed. The assistance of an accountability partner can be especially helpful during this time.

Of course, it is not always possible to properly prepare for post-holiday struggles, so Kogan also provided some advice for those encountering the post-holiday blues for the first time. Beginning a new exercise regimen has been associated with elevated mood and reduced anxiety, so those suffering from depression should consider making a change that includes a renewed commitment to physical activity. In Gilroy, Kogan noted that the cold January weather and the reduced daylight hours can be offset to some degree through the use of light therapy and supplementation with vitamin D.

In other circumstances, a trip to a new destination can yield a significant improvement in mood. Although it may not be the most convenient way to deal with the post-holiday blues, traveling to a new place activates different parts of the brain in a way that generates a positive impact on one’s mood. Even a short trip can elevate one’s mood and serve as a counterbalance against depression caused by the holiday season. A change in scenery can also benefit those trying to address an addiction, which is one of the reasons Kogan selected a location in Costa Rica when he founded Envision Recovery.