HOLIDAY DEPRESSION

1) Is depression around the holidays “real” depression?

No, it is not medically diagnosed, but an individual may develop a more serious condition from it.

2) What is major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern?

Depression

3) What other mental health impacts can the holidays have? (good and bad)

  • Sleep issues
  • Anxiety
  • Mood changes
  • Overeating
  • Lethargy

4) What are some common causes of holiday depression?

Financial constraints

The holiday season is possibly the most expensive time in a year. It comes with numerous expenses that may leave your pockets dry, yet you have more responsibilities to handle. This can result in mental health issues, including depression.

Loss

Some people experience depression following loss of a loved one towards the holiday season. It can be difficult to feel happy because of the person’s memory.

Loneliness

Holidays without family, friends, or spouse can be tough and overwhelming. Most lonely individuals tend to isolate, which makes them feel even worse.

5) What are 3 tips to cope with the holiday blues?

  • Always be realistic by focusing only on what you can handle, leave the things you cannot do.
  • Create a manageable pace; avoid attending to more responsibilities beyond your effort.
  • Prioritize what is important to ease all the holiday tasks.

 6) What are 3 ways to support a loved one coping with holiday depression?

I recommend the following tips;

  • Suggest to them a stress-relieving activity, including regular exercise, board games, or soothing music that can calm down their emotions.
  • Avoid giving pressure by offering them enough time and space when need be; please avoid forcing them to go out when they do not feel like.
  • Stay connected through online or physical communication to find out how they are doing as you provide any solutions within your capacity.
Anastasia Filipenko

Anastasia Filipenko is a health and wellness psychologist, dermatolist and a freelance writer. She frequently covers beauty and skincare, food trends and nutrition, health and fitness and relationships. When she's not trying out new skincare products, you'll find her taking a cycling class, doing yoga, reading in the park, or trying a new recipe.

MS, University of Tartu
Sleep specialist

Using the acquired academic and professional experience, I advise patients with various complaints about mental health - depressed mood, nervousness, lack of energy and interest, sleep disorders, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts and anxieties, difficulty concentrating, and stress. In my free time, I love to paint and go on long walks on the beach. One of my latest obsessions is sudoku – a wonderful activity to calm an unease mind.

Barbara is a freelance writer and a sex and relationships adviser at Dimepiece LA and Peaches and Screams. Barbara is involved in various educational initiatives aimed at making sex advice more accessible to everyone and breaking stigmas around sex across various cultural communities. In her spare time, Barbara enjoys trawling through vintage markets in Brick Lane, exploring new places, painting and reading.

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