Overcoming Depression During the Holidays

The party season is coming up, and all you want to do is hide away and close yourself off from the world. But if you can key into your Sun sign's core energy, you'll find your doorway into a better, healthier frame of mind.

Aries
Since your sign is ruled by Mars, the god of war, try to look at your low ebb as a challenge: You can help defeat depression by seeing it as the enemy. Push it firmly out of your way as you would a competitor, and you'll find that your vitality will start to shine again.

Taurus
You may not always be sociable, but you tend to be indulgent. Strange as this may sound, put on clothes made with sensuous fabric to titillate your skin. Your inner Venus will revel in the sensation, and your appetite for fun will return.

Gemini
You have a light side as well as a dark one, so you need to jolt yourself out of the shadows and into the sunshine. Recognize that there are stimulating conversations going on that can help perk you up. Buy yourself a joke book and get yourself back into a fun frame of mind.

Cancer
You tend to get lost in your emotions, but certain comforts of home often help get you back on an even keel. You have to fix your feelings before you can venture forth with enthusiasm. Phone your favorite relative for a pep talk, and you'll soon find yourself in the mood to attend all the holiday parties going on!

Leo
You're rarely out of sorts when it comes to a busy social schedule ... but if your ego has been deflated, you can crumble easily. Try contacting your most trusted friend to help pump your self-esteem back up. If all else fails, try acting -- fake it for a bit and you'll soon find that your happiness is genuine.

Virgo
You've been known to be less than enthusiastic about parties because you often find them a waste of time, but you need to remember that play is as important as work. Reconnect with your earthy inner core, pamper your body and relish the prospect of some unadulterated indulgence!

Libra
You adore socializing, so if you're down in the dumps, inject some color back into your life. A new outfit that's blue, yellow or pink will resonate with your inner spirit -- and brighten your holiday spirits at the same time!

Scorpio
Sometimes you secretly enjoy wallowing in the depths, so you can be resistant to frivolity when you're at a low ebb. You need to persuade yourself that the next party could be the one that transforms your life. A chance encounter is all it takes!

Sagittarius
You're usually optimistic and enthusiastic, and when you're not, it's because you're being self-righteous and narrow-minded -- two of your worst traits. Take off your blinders and realize that what you dish out is what you're bound to get back. If you simply choose to be positive, your mood will instantly brighten.

Capricorn
You find work more comforting than socializing, and as a result, you can become isolated. Keep in mind that you might just make a few new business contacts at holiday parties that you wouldn't make by staying home!

Aquarius
Thanks to your Saturn ruler, you're prone to getting stuck in your disciplinarian ways. But remember, you have two co-rulers. The other is Uranus: mischievous, wacky and good at startling others. Remind yourself that you'll always have a little bit of the contrarian in you, and that you shouldn't try to be so conventional. Realize this and you'll be all dressed up and ready to party in no time!

Pisces
Since you're so emotional, you have a natural tendency to retreat into your own little sad corner. Luckily, you have Jupiter as a co-ruler, so tap into that jolly energy and put the bounce back in your step!