Holiday Depression; More Than Just the Holiday Blues

Do you get down in the dumps during the holiday season? Feeling blue during this festive time of the year? Holiday depression is more than just feeling sad during this season; it is a very common disorder. The holiday season for many people is a time of self-evaluation, loneliness, reflection on past failures, and anxiety about an uncertain future, which can spiral into depression.

Depression is one of the highest causes of disability year round. The latest reports show it costs the American economy between $45 billion and $50 billion a year due to lost productivity and medical costs. It is also one of the most common illnesses for adults of working age, and the biggest factor in suicide for college students.

Many factors cause holiday depression. It can be the result of stress, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, financial constraints, and the inability to be with one's family and friends. He demands of parties, shopping, houseguests and family reunions can also cause tension during this time.

There are many things you can do to cope with holiday depression. One thing is to keep a realistic grip on the situation. An example would be if you do not get along with a brother or sister during the rest of the year, you would not get along with them during the holidays. Adult children of divorced parents and parents who share custody should plan on how their time is going to be divided during the season. People should also take into account that the holidays may be a busy time to work.

Other ways to deal with holiday depression are:

· Keep expectations of the holiday season reasonable. Try to set realistic goals for yourself. Organize your time and make a list that will prioritize important activities. Be realistic in what you can and cannot do. Do not put your entire focus on one day (i.e., Thanksgiving Day) remember this is the holiday season with many events.

· Remember the holidays will not banish reasons for feeling sad or lonely.

· Leave the past in the past and look toward the future. Each season is different and can be enjoyed in its own way. Do not set yourself up by comparing this holiday to a great holiday you had in the past.

· Do something good for someone else. Try volunteering some time to help those less fortunate.

· Be aware of excessive drinking. Intake of liquor will only increase your feelings of depression.

· Try something new. Try celebrating the holidays in a new way, maybe even with new people.

· Spend time with supportive and caring people. Try to make new friends or contact someone you have not heard from for awhile.

· Save time for yourself. This may be the most important thing to do. Everyone needs time to recharge his or her batteries.

Environment Can Be A Factor.

Recent studies have shown that some people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which happens due to fewer hours sunlight, as the days grow shorter during the winter. Phototherapy, a treatment involving a few hours of exposure to an intense light, is very effective in relieving depressive symptoms in patients with SAD. It has been used in places like Alaska for years with great results. It is recommended using 10,000-lux init lights and spending 30 to 60 minutes under the light first thing in the morning. One great thing about this therapy is you do not have to have a prescription to purchase these lights. Many people take this time in the morning to read the paper and drink their coffee.

Signs of Depression

If the efforts above do not help and you have a period of more than two weeks where you have a depressed mood, crying spells, sleep problems, feelings of guilt and thoughts of death and suicide, you probably have a major depression and should seek medical care immediately. These situations mean you are having more than just the holiday blues.