Christmas and Depression

All across America people are getting into the joy of the upcoming holiday season. You can't drive down a street without seeing homes decorated with festive lights or go into a store without hearing beautiful Christmas music. Most people love this time of year and all of the family get-togethers, parties and gift exchanges associated with it. How could anyone be depressed at Christmas time?

As much as I enjoy decorating my house and Christmas tree and listening to Christmas music, the "fun" of Christmas eludes me. I hate Christmas shopping. Even more, I hate receiving gifts. Don't get me wrong, I like getting a nice bottle of wine or even a couple of instant lottery tickets, but I can't think of a single thing I need or want as a gift. I believe that gift-giving should be saved for the children. Furthermore, I hate the obligatory parties and get-togethers. I would rather sit in front of my TV, snuggling under a heavy blanket with my husband, watching "feel good" Christmas movies. What is the meaning of Christmas anyway? I think everyone in America has forgotten.

This brings me to why so many people are depressed this time of year. Below are a few of the reasons that I came up with.
#1 A lot of people can't afford Christmas the way stores and commercials depict it. They spend more then they can afford, racking up credit card debt.
#2 Many people are thinking about loved ones that have died and about happier past years.
#3 Alcohol consumption during the holiday season plays a major role in people's attitudes and well being.
#4 Loneliness, especially during the holiday season is a major contributor to depression.
#5 While most people look forward to getting together with their families at Christmastime, for others it means seeing people they don't even like.
#6 Expectations regarding gifts given and received are too high.
#7 Too much to do with too little time to do it equals way too much stress.

I haven't even touched on the elderly or people dealing with health issues. And what about the homeless, poor and low income people who don't even know if they'll have Christmas dinner, let alone gifts to give to their children. It's no wonder so many people are depressed this time of year.

Everyone suffers from depression at one time or another and it usually goes away on it's own. If you find you that you're depressed for more than 2 weeks straight you need to call your doctor immediately. If you're depressed and feeling suicidal the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. If you need help, please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will be routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area. Call for yourself, or someone you care about. Your call is free and confidential.