Holiday Depression: Why it Happens, How to Cope

The holidays can be a happy time for many. However, some people find that they suffer from depression during the holiday season. This is often distressing for sufferers because they feel ashamed or guilty that they are unhappy during what should be a happy time. There are many reasons why holiday depression occurs. Understanding these reasons is the first step towards finding relief.

Depression that occurs during the holidays is somewhat different from other forms of depression because it is triggered by the holidays themselves. Individuals who have lost loved ones close to the holidays often find they become depressed every year at this time. Occasions that should be a time of celebration become a time of grief and mourning. The individual relates the death of their loved one with the particular holiday. Another reason why people become depressed around the holiday season is because of divorce or separation. Because the holidays involve spending time with family and friends, someone going through a painful breakup can feel especially low. If child custody issues are a factor, depression can be even more severe.

Another cause of depression during the holidays is financial in nature. There's no doubt that holidays are more commercialized than ever before. There is so much focus on giving the perfect gifts that many people feel inadequate if they cannot afford everything their loved ones want or need. The media bombards us with advertisements, making it even harder for those on a budget to spend wisely during this time of year. Debt and financial hardship can certainly be factors in the occurrence of seasonal depression.

Holiday depression may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine have a lot to do with whether a person gets depressed or not. If these chemicals are imbalanced, problems may occur. Some people suffer from SAD, or seasonal affective disorder. It's thought that the absence of sunlight leads to this problem as it is experienced in the winter months. Sometimes, time in front of sun lamps or more time spent outdoors can remedy the problem. Regardless of the cause of your depression, it is important to seek professional help. You might want to make an appointment with your family physician, or you might choose to consult with a psychiatrist. You may need medication to deal with your depression. Or, simply making lifestyle changes may be enough to remedy the problem and help you feel better.

Copyright 2007 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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