Handling Holiday Depression

This is an article from my files from when I wrote for the Somerset Times Weekly. (2008-2012) I feel it is still relevant.

  Emotions can either rise because of the Christmas season or close in on a person who feels unloved or put upon by others. Studies show that four to six percent of Americans suffer post-Christmas depression. Many of these people are isolated from family and friends, not necessarily by social distress but by choice. Many sufferers begin getting depressed before the holiday and slowly begin the isolation process, overwhelmed by the stress of shopping and resentment of pressure from what to give to who gets what. This makes the person close in on him or herself and seek to be alone, wanting the noise, and bustle to be over so their lives can get back to normal routine. Some people feel pressured by the Christmas Carols played extensively in stores and public PA systems. The songs meant for joy and festive ambiance heightening the emotional stress. These feelings can become dangerously extreme by the New Year.

  People who have lost loved ones during the year feel the loss more because they don’t have that person in their lives to enjoy the gift exchange, food, or parties. The void is sometimes impossible to fill even through many years. Facing the New Year can be tough for those living with such a loss.
Loneliness can hit a person hard during this time. Alcohol consumption can increase with some people with depression, which has an adverse affect, causing more depression. Facing another year can be almost unbearable. Suicide can become more attractive to those hurting from feelings of being unloved, over-stressed, or coping with the loss of a close relative or friend

  Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can hit people as the daylight hours are less and several days of cloudy weather can make it harder. The tendency of some people is to sit in their homes, listless and unable to cope with the smallest of tasks. People with SAD need sunlight, or the equivalent, and fresh air. Getting them outside and active helps overcome much of this disorder. Buying a Sun lamp that emits natural light can help also.

  Even with all these troubles, in most cases, with care and attention, family and friends can correct these problems. If a person is feeling depressed and seeking isolation, they need to find a group, or join with active people to feel included again. They should seek out their clergy, a close family member or friend, or even their doctor. Many local schools open their gymnasiums to walking groups for exercising in the winter. If you have not heard from a family member for sometime, or you know someone struggles with depression, you should call to see how they are doing. Sending encouraging friendship cards or an after Christmas, New Years gift can help also. Having someone to talk to and look to the future with positive ideas and goals can bring a person out of depression. If you know someone who needs encouragement at this time, seek a way to help or get him or her to someone who can.