Depression is very common during the holidays, especially when you are feeling vulnerable. The holiday season brings greater stress with all the hustle and bustle of family get togethers, social gatherings, work deadlines, vacations to plan, and gifts to buy. For many additional stressors, such as unemployment, illness, divorce or death of a love one only compounds one’s sense of frustration and loneliness, increasing levels of anxiety and/or depression.
The darker days and longer nights, resulting in less sunlight, can also contribute to depression as well. Mild or less severe cases are often referred to as “Winter Blues” while more severe forms are called Seasonal Affective disorder, which is a condition that is not only prevalent in the winter but also in the spring or early summer. Depression can not only be triggered by life stressors but possibly by genetics as well. But whatever the cause, you may have noticed every year around the same time your depression seems to get worse.
It has even become common to see young professional women through social media declare that they are suffering from depression. Don’t rely on social media to spot signs of depression in love ones. Pay personal attention to your children or siblings, especially with the rise of suicides among teenagers.
How do you know if you are suffering from depression?
Do you feel extreme sadness, lack of motivation, hopelessness, inability to concentrate, increased anxiety, loss of libido, thoughts of hurting yourself or persistent thoughts that you are better off dead? If the answer is YES, then you need to seek medical advice. Consequently, if the above symptoms have affected your social life and productivity at work or home, you really need to see your doctor to share your concerns and perform the necessary tests to rule out any other possible causes of your symptoms.
If you are already on medication or treatment but think it is not working or the side effects are intolerable, please see and discuss this with your doctor. Do not wait until you feel desperate or out control before you seek help.
Winter depression can be treated not only with medication but also with talk therapy and even light therapy.
Most importantly, you are not “crazy” or “weak”. There is nothing to feel ashamed about. Depression is very common and anyone can suffer from it. I can’t tell you how often or how many people, especially of people of color, refuse treatment for depression, saying:
“I am not crazy”
“I don’t need a psychiatrist”
“I will just pray over it”
In no way, I am knocking anyone’s religion or faith but I don’t believe God wants anyone to suffer unnecessarily when there are resources and professional services available to help. Remission from depression is possible and you deserve to feel better.
We all seek peace, love, happiness, a sense of purpose and most importantly, hope. This is what I want for you. Here are some strategies to get through your blues:
- Be a friend to yourself. Take time to exercise, pray, or meditate.
- Perform an act of kindness. Helping others in need not only gives back to the community but gives one a sense of purpose and reduces loneliness.
- Surrounding yourself with positive people who uplift you. Avoid anyone who brings you down.
- Be kind to yourself. It’s okay if you can’t buy everyone a gift. Make a gift, write a personal note or card, but most importantly take the time to tell those important to you how much you love them.
- Be proactive and focus on the things you can control.
- Create a daily gratitude journal. List everyday one person, opportunity or thing that you are grateful for.
You are inherently valuable and more precious than any rare gem or metal. Don’t give up and remember, above all else, you are not alone. If you need help please reach out and call:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
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