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Battling Holiday Depression
By
alex padalka
Depression peaks during the holidays, with some estimates claiming 17.6
million Americans affected each year. The holidays are a particularly
hard time for people who recently suffered the loss of a loved one,
separation from a spouse, or falling out with a family. There is expectation
that holidays are a time of joy and giving, and when those expectations
are not met things can seem pretty severe. Add to that the financial
costs of the holidays and Christmas doesn’t seem so bright and
cheery anymore. Furthermore, even people who stay with close family
and friends sink into depression as a result of withdrawal following
Jan.1.
And while not everyone goes through the exhaustive ordeal of severe
depression, a whopping 34 percent of men and 44 percent of women in
the United States report feeling “blue” during the holidays,
according to a study by Pacific Health Laboratories.
SAD –
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Some
of the blues can be attributed to seasonal affective disorder (SAD),
which results from fewer hours of sunlight during the shorter winter
days. While it affects a relatively small portion of the population,
SAD has been acknowledged all over the world, particularly in Northern
regions. Phototherapy is a treatment for SAD that involves a few hours
of exposure of intense light, and is offered at several hospitals.
Suicide
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for people between the ages
of 15 and 24. Caucasian men over the age of 80 are six times more likely
than any other demographic group to commit suicide. Now the good news.
Contrary to myth, suicides do not peak during the holidays. According
to the National Center for Health Statistics, suicides drop during the
winter months and usually peak during spring. Researchers further claim
that the disproportionate media attention given to holiday suicides
may actually cause “copycat” suicides in vulnerable individuals.
Signs of
Depression
Symptoms of depression include persistent sad, anxious or empty moods;
sleeping too much or too little; loss or gain of appetite and weight;
loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sexual activities;
irritability or restlessness; difficulty thinking, concentrating, remembering
or making decisions; fatigue and loss of energy; and thoughts of death
or suicide.
Fighting
Depression
Dr. Len Tuzman, Director of Social Work at Hillside Hospital and a stress
management expert, recommends being with friends during the holidays.
However, he discourages being around former spouses or people that may
cause additional emotional strain. For those with alcohol or drug problems,
it’s important to stay as far away from bars as possible –
drinking enhances depression, to never-before seen levels. Tuzman suggests
volunteering instead, or doing something else with new people in a new
environment.
The National Mental Health Association further recommends keeping expectations
manageable and setting realistic goals for what can be achieved, and
enjoying activities that are free, to avoid feeling depressed because
of the drain on your wallet.
Treating
Depression
Several organizations in Queens help people suffering from depression,
from individual and group counseling to psychotherapy. The Forest Hills
Center for Private Practice, the Hillside Psychological Guidance Center
and the Bayside Consultation and Counseling Center all offer various
level of assistance.
In addition, there is a volunteer counseling service offered nationwide
for people thinking about suicide – they can be reached 24 hours
a day, seven days a week at 1-800-SUICIDE.
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