Christmas Depression

Crisis centers and hotline workers have confirmed that there is an increase in both the numbers and severity of calls by depressed and disheartened people during the Christmas season. The months from December through February are statistically the worst months for stress and depression to begin. Some reasons for the onset of depression may be due to the time of year and the weather with shorter days with it being dark when you get up and dark by the time you return home from work.

Unfortunately, for many people the holidays, especially Christmas, are responsible for the onset of depression. They may be worried about family conflicts, the costs involved in getting ready for Christmas, the loss of a job from being terminated, or being laid off for several months. For others it may be due to a death in the family that occurred during the holiday season or lack of any family at all. Countless people feel they do not have anywhere to go for the holidays and suffer terribly from loneliness.

It is a common misconception among people that depression can be handled by the person who is suffering on their own. Unfortunately, depression cannot be turned on or off at will, it will not go away just because you wish it to do so, and it is not something "just in your head" and if you did not want to be depressed, you would not be depressed.

Depression is often combined with several factors that occur during the holiday season, including (but not limited to), a depressed mood during the majority of the day, diminished interest or pleasure in activities, unintentional weight gain or loss. Many suffer from feelings of loneliness, too much or too little sleep, irritability, nervous movements, lethargic reactions, fatigue, and loss of energy. Other symptoms may also include feelings of worthlessness, inappropriate guilt, impaired ability to concentrate, and trouble focusing on tasks. Additionally, there may be difficulty making decisions, unexplained physical problems, restlessness, feelings of hopelessness, and thoughts of death or suicide.

If you have a family member or friend that is suffering from Christmas depression, make time for them. Ask them to help in planning a Christmas party, invite them to a holiday function, such as a Christmas play, or make plans to go caroling in the neighborhood, and then perhaps followed by eggnog and conversation at your home afterwards.

When selecting a Christmas present, choose something that is a special gift. Think out of the box, because even if it is not something you would ordinarily think of as a present, it may have special importance for your friend or loved one. For several people, this could be a book about depression that explains ways to diminish the effects of depression, because many sufferers do not understand that they are not alone in feeling sad.

If their financial circumstances are somewhat dismal, giving a gift certificate for a massage or planning an inexpensive trip can certainly raise the person's spirits. It is amazing what even a single night in a motel with a spouse or friend (and without children or pets) can do to release stress. A CD of their favorite music, a book by a favorite author, a movie they wanted to see (and could not), all these things are better than any present you might pick out just because you think it is cute, pretty, or functional. Think out of the box and think more like the person you care about and you will not go wrong.

Never underestimate the importance of the pets in loved one's home because these pets are their family and are loved very much. A new aquarium for their fish, a new collar for their kitten, or even a bag of pet food may be the greatest gift you could give, and it shows that you do care about what is important to them.

Never disregard talk about suicide or if the depression appears to be severe. Contact their doctor and make an appointment, even if you have to take them. Counseling, therapy, and even medications can make a big difference in how the person feels.

The bottom line is to show your friends and loved ones that you care about them. Family, friends, and co-workers need to understand that depression is a serious illness. It is estimated that 40% of those having depression happens during the weeks prior to and following the Christmas holidays. In fact, Christmas depression is a growing problem and it is estimated that one in four women and one in eight men will suffer from it this year alone. Those who care for the afflicted person can help in several ways. Christmas depression can be a very difficult time for the one who is suffering from it. Depression and stress levels can be greatly alleviated just by noticing there is a problem and then trying to do something to help.

Sources:

Christmas, winter, darkness, stress and depression, by Andry Kobilnyk, 3 Dec 2007

Blue Christmas: Holidays often bring stress, depression, by Maggie Souza, December 08, 2008

Seasonal Depression (SAD), eMedicineHealth.com