Symptoms Of Holiday Depression

Q: Despite the happy atmosphere that's part of the winter holidays, many people feel quite sad before, during, or after them. Feeling blue? You're not alone. Despite the happy atmosphere that's part of the winter holidays, many people feel quite sad before, during, or after them. In fact, some individuals become noticeably depressed.

A:Those who've had a recent loss are particularly vulnerable to depression around the holidays. If you're newly divorced or separated, or have recently lost a loved one, been fired from your job, or suffered a major health problem, you're usually more affected. You may have started feeling low before or during the holiday season, and are only starting to feel a little happier now. Often, this depression is due to a sense of loss - realization that your situation is not the fantasy of what the holidays "should" be like. Maybe you're not close to your parents; perhaps your spouse doesn't talk about emotions; maybe alcoholism or sexism or abuse has split up your family. The holidays may have been a painful reminder of things you wish you had or wish you didn't have to deal with. This can cause you to feel an underlying sense of sadness, until your life and your schedule become more routine again. Those who suffer from post-holiday depression are also feeling a sense of loss. You may have filled your holidays with parties and activities that temporarily distracted you. Now that it is all over, you may feel alone or empty. The same problems that caused other people to be down during the holidays are catching up with you now. The symptoms of post-holiday depression can include lack of enthusiasm, even for favorite activities; fatigue; feelings of discouragement; sleeping too much or too little; a tendency toward negative thinking. If you "just don't feel like yourself," it may be that your feelings are exactly what's overwhelming you. Uncertain economic times also may be causing you to feel blue this year. Perhaps you eliminated Christmas travel because you lost your job. Maybe you cut back on gift-giving because you're worried about your finances. Rationally, you may believe these were the "right things to do." Emotionally, however, you may feel lonely or depressed, especially if you only get to see your family once a year and missed this opportunity. What can you do to combat holiday-related depression? Recognize you're not the only one who's feeling blue. Develop new interests or activities that don't necessarily have to be costly but will personally benefit you. When you catch yourself being negative, try to rework things into positives. If you feel severely depressed, seek the help of a professional.

Symptoms Of Holiday Depression

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