HOLIDAY BLUES AND DEPRESSION

There is no stigma attached to getting emotional help. After all, if you sprain your ankle you wouldn't think twice about going to a professional. If you "sprain your brain," so to speak, you need to treat that as well. While the holidays are an exciting time for most people, many others suffer depression more severely during this time of year. And, depression doesn't just happen to other people. If you are alone or divorced, it can easily happen to you. Perhaps, as a result of the events of September 11th, you are feeling particularly vulnerable this year. It’s a good time to take stock and hug those you love. Giving from the heart really does help to heal.

This is a particularly vulnerable time of year. The media, society and those around you tell you to be happy. Instead, you may be missing your family or your current situation is different from what you hoped it would be. Perhaps you have wonderful or dreadful childhood memories of this season that have resurfaced, or your expectations are unrealistic and you don't understand why? Maybe Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has hit you bad and some light is required?

Whatever the reason for your blues this season, next year can be better. Get through this difficult time using all the help available. The New Year and new opportunity will be with us soon.

What To Do And How To Handle Holiday Blues

More than 17 million Americans suffer from clinical depression every year. That's more than the total of those persons stricken with cancer or heart disease. More than 15 percent of these individuals attempt suicide with an increase during the holiday season. Sadly, many people don't know that depression can be treated, or are afraid to seek help because they fear that there is a stigma attached.

There is no stigma attached to getting emotional help. After all, if you sprain your ankle you wouldn't think twice about going to a professional. If you "sprain your brain," so to speak, you need to treat that as well. While the holidays are an exciting time for most people, remember, especially if you are part of a blended family, divorced or alone, you may be one of many who suffer depression more severely during this time of year.

While everyone experiences bad moods, if you have seven out of ten pretty good days, you are in OK shape. However, you may be suffering from clinical depression if you experience five of the following symptoms for two weeks or more, or if they occur almost every day for most of the day for any extended time.

How To Recognize A Bad Case of Holiday Blues:

1. Depressed mood most of the day almost every day.

2. Feeling restless, anxious and agitated, unable to sit still.

3. Feelings of worthlessness and low self esteem.

4. Fatigue and low energy, unable to get out of bed.

5. Recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

6. Difficulty concentrating for an extended period of time.

7. Sudden weight gain or loss in greater than usual proportions. (Not just the usual holiday few extra pounds.)

8. Sleep disturbances such as: difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or sleeping too much.

9. Continued feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.

10. "Out of character" irritability, impatience or anger.

11. Loss of interest in sex.

12. Loss of interest in your usual daily fun activities.

What To Do:

1. Ask for help.

2. Get help.

3. Give help.

4. Use the help available.

5. Don't stay alone. Make sure you seek out others.

6. Don't try to hide your condition from loved ones. Those who care can help you get the help you need.

7. Use all available resources. Where To Go:

1. Ask a family member or friend to help you find a referral to a therapist.

2. Ask you physician for a referral to a mental health professional.

3. If your physician prescribes temporary medication, take it.

4. If you use an integrative health practitioner such as an acupuncturist, call them.

5. If you have successfully used alternative medications in the past such as Melatonin or St. John's Wort, consider trying them again.

6. Contact your local directory, crisis center, or hot line.

7. Call the national crisis hot line: 1-888-363-2287

8. Contact Depression U.S.A., Rockville, MD, 20857

9. Contact your local divorce group, parent's without partners or your religious affiliation.

As I have been telling others on nationally syndicated radio and TV, this is a particularly vulnerable time of year. The media, society and those around you tell you to be happy. Instead, you may be missing your family or your current situation is different from what you hoped it would be. Perhaps you have wonderful or dreadful childhood memories of this season that have resurfaced, or your expectations are unrealistic and you don't understand why? Maybe Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has hit you bad and some light is required?

Whatever the reason for your blues this holiday, next year can be better. Get through this difficult time using all the help available. The New Year and new opportunity starts soon.

Life is too hard to do alone,

Dr. D.

Dorree Lynn, PH.D.