After a blissful getaway, it can be disorienting when you awaken and find yourself feeling melancholy. Perhaps your vacation was filled with intense lovemaking or revelry in the sun; however, regardless of how pleasant or joyful your trip may have been – getting home could bring on feelings of despair!
Absolutely, positively don’t let that perilous vacation blues keep you from enjoying the comforts of your cosy abode! In fact, those who resort to medication typically experience relief from symptoms within just twelve weeks!
Even though it’s easy to succumb to depression after a vacation, it is not insurmountable. If you observe these ten commandments, then even if you emerge from your travels in an acutely depressed state, things will go back to normal – for better or worse!
1. Your Better Half May Be More Down Than Up
Like any other time, depression can set in without warning. This could occur due to a variety of factors such as significant life events or even simple overindulgence during your vacation.
Most people experience periods of sadness and melancholy during their lives. The difference is that when it occurs after traveling abroad, it may be more intense than you anticipated – and can have a serious impact on daily routines at home!
For instance, if your spouse noticed you starting to withdraw from them for several days before returning home – or even noticed you exhibiting signs of dissatisfaction with the journey itself – then chances are they may have sensed something amiss.
It is important to recognize the behavior exhibited by others. If they exhibit a change in demeanor or mood, this could signal an underlying problem that needs addressing immediately!
2. When to Call in the Big Dogs
Depression can strike at any time, but it can be especially difficult to detect when you’re away from home. If this sounds familiar, consider contacting a doctor right away if:
Remorse : Guilt and remorse are prevalent symptoms of depression, occurring more frequently in cases involving vacation-related misplacing. Those feeling the blues may be surprised by what they discover during their travels – illuminating opportunities for introspection that may yield some new perspectives on things!
Depression can manifest itself in a multitude of ways; however, if you’re experiencing these indicators then it is crucial that you seek assistance from an expert.
A sense of apathy and disinterest in one’s former hobbies or activities – such as sex, drink or exercise – should raise red flags about uncharacteristic behavior. This may indicate that there is some underlying depressive disorder affecting your mood.
3. The Past Is Prolific
Sometimes, past experiences are what precipitate this devastating ailment. If a person has experienced any trauma during their lifetime, such as abuse or neglectful treatment at home – it may be quite possible that these issues could still be haunting them today! Additionally, if there’s an event occurring currently in their lives that is causing distress; depressed individuals might experience reliving this past event again and again.
If you haven’t yet dealt with a traumatic episode in your life’, chances are you won’t feel compelled to seek counseling in order to cope with past events. Rather than dwelling on the past however, focus on where you currently stand and how to improve on it.
4. No More Food Courts or Factory Outlets
If you’re accustomed to consuming free food during your vacation, it can be quite a shock when you return home. Be sure to stock up on provisions ahead of time – and then worry about cooking before breakfast!
Don’t forget that factory outlets are an option as well if you require some additional goodies for your kitchen.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the prospect of preparing meals; however, by keeping things simple with a few key pantry staples and utilizing items such as frozen dinners or canned goods – no need to shop!
5. Stay Away From Children
It’s never an ideal circumstance to vacation with your own brood. But oftentimes, it can actually be a hindrance when dealing with depressive episodes; after all, children often bring about the greatest sense of joy and happiness during these experiences!
If you find yourself feeling particularly down when you return home from your trip, then don’t hesitate to consult your doctor or mental health assistance center. If necessary, they can help you assess whether taking an antidepressant is warranted – or perhaps even suggesting something such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) instead.
6. Get Some Exercise
Is your stress level on the rise? Turn to exercise as a potent remedy. Physical exertion can induce feelings of euphoria, while boosting endorphins in the brain that help combat depression – even when you feel down.
In fact, getting out and about during your vacation could be just what your body needs to alleviate some of its burdens. Getting up from your lazy lounger and trotting across the beach or jogging along the seafront may provide some much-needed rejuvenation.
7. Meds
Antidepressant medications are commonly prescribed to individuals struggling with depression, but they are not the only option available. You could be prescribed a psychiatric medication or an antipsychotic – both of which have been shown to provide positive results in alleviating symptoms of melancholy and anxiety.
Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are the first-line choice for treating depression; however, if these fail to yield satisfactory outcomes, other choices exist. The most common antipsychotics – such as clozapine and olanzapine – come second in line after SSRIs.
Meds
If you are taking medication, such as antidepressants or antianxiety medications, it is advisable that one consult with their physician before travel to ensure that there will not be any detrimental repercussions.
Antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are among the most popular medications used to treat depression. Commonly-prescribed SSRI drugs include:
Citalopram (Celexa)
Clomipramine hydrochloride (Anafranil)
Desipramine (Norpramin)
Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem and others)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)
Lofepramine (Guanabenz)
Paroxetine hydrochloride (Paxil)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Meds?
Regardless of whether or not your vacation was stressful, you may be inclined to take a pharmaceutical remedy for alleviation. However, bear in mind that these medications may yield adverse side effects; additionally prompting individuals to question their efficacy.
Indeed, antidepressants are the most commonly used medication among travelers. Just one in four North Americans encounters an antidepressant during their recent trip abroad – but they still make up the majority! The most popular choice is Citalopram which boasts a 91% user rate; followed closely by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac at 81%. Clomipramine and Amitriptyline also joined in on this statistic while Zolpidem (a sedative) comes in as one of the least utilized.
Nevertheless, it’s interesting to observe that some vacationers specifically seek out prescription medications before departing: nearly 30% want their doctor’s assistance before leaving town! Perhaps this isn’t such a bad idea after all if opting for a potent treatment option over antianxiety medication could provide additional relief from anxiety and stress levels.
8. Depression is not your Fault
Depression is often referred to as a “chemical imbalance”. While this may be partially true in some cases, it is important to recognize that the root cause of depression is often due to external factors or events which occurred during one’s lifetime.
Depression can have a profound impact on one’s lifestyle and their ability to function normally. It is all too easy for our minds and bodies to become overwhelmed by feelings of despair and hopelessness, thus creating additional stress on an already frazzled system.
Indeed, if you are experiencing depressive symptoms after returning from your vacation – whether it was unfulfilling or otherwise – consider seeking medical attention immediately.
9. Support Group
If you are seeking additional guidance and understanding, don’t overlook the informal support group. Depression after vacation can arise from a multitude of circumstances – it could simply be post-vacation blues; or perhaps stressors at work may have left residual effects on one’s mood upon returning home!
If you find yourself experiencing a bout of depression after your vacation, don’t hesitate to seek immediate assistance. Make use of a local helpline and obtain free counseling to help regain control over your mental health.
Conclusion
If you’re aware of someone who is visibly depressed, it can be difficult to ascertain the extent of their suffering. Are they merely experiencing a brief setback or has it already reached an irreversible point?
And so it goes with depression. It appears in distinct stages, one following the other. Just as you might anticipate when your child behaves obstinately, there’s a certain point when they’ll finally yield – and this may come sooner rather than later!