Los Gatos Weekly-Times December brings good cheer-and depression By Jean M. Riney-Niewiadomski, MSW The holidays are supposed to be a time for cheer and thanksgiving. Sadly, this is also the time of year when many people report feelings of depression and sadness. According to the National Mental Health Association, one of every 20 people experience depression each year. More than a million Americans suffer from depression during the month of December. Holiday depression may occur during any holiday and can closely resemble clinical depression, which is a combination of symptoms affecting an individual's whole life. Although holiday blues can be intense, they typically last only the duration of the holiday, from a few days to a few weeks. Depression is a normal response to a stressful time of year. Holiday blues fatigue can be caused by a number of factors, including unrealistic expectations, overcommercialization, loss of a loved one, memories of past holidays, changes in eating or sleeping habits or changes in daily schedule. Symptoms may include headaches, change in sleep patterns, agitation and anxiety, feelings of guilt and worthlessness or a decreased interest in pleasurable activities. Children and adolescents often exhibit defiant and acting-out behavior when experiencing feelings of depression. Parents and caregivers should pay close attention to the behavior of children. During the holidays and school break, children have an increased amount of free time. Providing structure and planned activities can make the holidays less stressful for children and their families. Encourage children to talk about the holidays and acknowledge any feelings of sadness. It is important to remember that holiday blues can be managed. They are temporary feelings that will pass. Several things can be done to manage holiday blues: * Spend time with friends and family. If friends and family are not available, volunteer at a local church or visit a community center; * Talk with people about your feelings. Holiday depression is very common and others may be able to offer support; * Determine what has worked for you in the past; how have you survived holidays in the past? This information is valuable and useful; * Eat nutritious food and try not to overeat; * Develop a budget and spend within your means; * Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause a further decline in mood; * Exercise. Walk, jog, ski, dance; any activity will make you feel better; * Relax. Meditation and yoga are effective relaxation practices. * Help others. Feed your spirit and you will feel better. In contrast with holiday blues, clinical depression can vary in duration and can be classified as different types of depression. Depressive episodes are debilitating and can occur once, twice or several times in a lifetime. Symptoms resemble holiday depression but often are more severe and last longer than two weeks. Symptoms can include feelings of worthlessness, feelings of guilt, loss of energy and interest, diminished ability to enjoy oneself, decreased or increased sleeping patterns, difficulty concentrating and indecisiveness, feelings of sadness and hopelessness, recurring thoughts of death and suicide. Depression can be managed. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of holiday depression lasting longer than two weeks, professional help is available. In addition, there are numerous hotlines and support groups to assist individuals in taking control of their lives and managing their emotions. Most importantly, you can feel good again. If you or someone you know is in immediate need of suicide or depression counseling, call the EMQ Child and Adolescent Crisis Program at 408/379-9085 or Santa Clara County Mental Health Services/Access at 408/299-5800. In addition, the Suicide and Crisis Hotline can be contacted at 408/279-3312. Jean Riney-Niewiadomski, MSW, is a licensed therapist with EMQ's Child and Adolescent Crisis Program that provides 24-hour emergency psychiatric intervention to children and adolescents throughout Santa Clara County. [ Back to Contents Page | Los Gatos Weekly-Times Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, December 16, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.