Types of Depression
II
Depression in Women
II Depression in Men
II
Childhood Depression
II
Adolescent Depression
II
Depression in the Elderly
II
Clinical Depression
II
Major Depression
II
Dysthymia II
Atypical Depression
II
Bipolar Depression
II
Cyclothymia II
Seasonal Affective Disorder
II
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
II
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
(PMDD)
II
Holiday Depression II
Workplace Depression.
Holiday Depression and Christmas.
For some, Christmas and the holiday season is not a time of joy
and cheer but of depression, loneliness, anxiety and
self-evaluation. Financial constraints, not being able to spend time with family
or conversely, spending too much time with family can all lead to
Christmas depression and holiday depression. The added stresses,
unrealistic expectations and fatigue of the season can also
contribute to holiday depression. People with few friends or
family members may feel even more alone and isolated. People with
a large circle of family and friends may feel stressed by having
to cook and entertain for large family get-togethers.
Consider some holiday depression stressors:
- Separation or divorce can leave people celebrating Christmas
and the holiday season alone.
- People who have lost a loved one are especially mindful of
that loss.
- The activities of the holidays can place a significant burden
on already full schedules.
- The costs involved with the holidays can place a significant
burden on already tight budgets.
Although the stressors that can cause holiday depression cannot
be completely eliminated, there are a number of suggestions that
can help keep Christmas and holiday depression at a minimum.
- Schedule obligations and parties wisely. If trying to cram
another obligation into the already over filed schedule causes
stress, cancel and spend the evening taking a bubble bath or
curled up with a good book.
- Recognize the sadness of absent loved ones instead of denying
the sadness.Set reasonable financial goals based on what the budget can
afford.
- Remember that Christmas depression is not permanent. Moods
typically improve once the holidays are over and once the worst of
winter is over.
- Set reasonable time goals while employing time management
techniques like Christmas shopping during the off-peak season and
shopping online or by mail order. Unique, thoughtful and handmade
gifts often much more pleasure than a gift bought out of
obligation.
- Be especially mindful of diet during the holiday season. High
sugar and carbohydrate laden foods typical of the holidays will
only make depression matters worse. Allow indulgences during the
holidays, but with limitations.
- Put old issues aside when dealing with family. If that is not
possible, consider limiting the time spent.
People, especially children, can also experience a post-holiday
let down after Christmas, when the brightness and togetherness of
the season make way to cabin fever confinement and a return to the
"same old, same old."
Compounding the problem of depression around Christmas and the
holiday season is fewer hours of daylight that occur from
Thanksgiving and past Christmas. So, in addition to holiday
depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can also play a role
in depression during the holiday season.
Although there are many easily identifiable causes for holiday
depression, there are also some people who cannot pinpoint the
exact cause of their Christmas depression. They know they are
"supposed to" feel happy during the holiday season but instead of
feeling happy, the flat, lackluster cloud of depression hangs over
them.
Regardless of the cause of depression during Christmas and the
holiday season, sufferers of depression during the holiday season
might experience excess fatigue, a change in sleeping patterns,
irritability and feelings of sadness. People who do not display
the outward symptoms of depression during Christmas and the
holiday season might develop other stress responses like over
eating or excessive drinking.
