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• Feelings of sadness or depression during the holiday season are quite common for many people. For some, the holidays are a time of excitement and fun, but for others the season is a time of loneliness, self-reflection and anxiety. The phenomenon, known as the "holiday blues," can affect one's enjoyment of the season.

• Fast Facts

  1. Also known as holiday depression
  2. Affects people around major holidays, including Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year's
  3. MedicineNet says causes include stress, anxiety, loneliness, over-eating, drinking, insomnia and fatigueMedicineNet.com: What causes the holiday blues?
  4. WebMD says symptoms include feelings of despair, helplessness or guilt, loss of self-esteem, insomnia, irritability and loss of pleasure or satisfactionWebMD: Symptoms of Depression
  5. Not the same as clinical depression
  6. Those with holiday depression could be suffering from Seasonal Affective DisorderWebMD: Holiday Depression and Stress

• Grief During the Holidays

  The holiday season can be a particularly difficult time for people who have lost loved ones. Those who are grieving a loss can find themselves sinking deep into depression around the holidays, while others around them are celebrating happy times with friends and family. The emotional burden of grief, coupled with the typical stress associated with the holiday season, can overwhelm the grieving person. Experts say acknowledging the sadness, and even anticipating it, can help. Many experts advise modifying family traditions: consider hanging a Christmas stocking for a deceased loved one, and having each family member write a note of remembrance inside. Above all, experts say don't push: do what your heart feels like doing.WebMD: Finding Holiday Joy Amid the Grief

• Quote

  "You don't have to have full-blown depression to experience the holiday blues... But if you have a period of more than two weeks where you have a depressed mood, crying spells, sleep problems, feelings of guilt and thoughts of death or suicide, you probably have a major depression and should seek medical care. You're moving beyond the holiday blues."—Dr. Kenneth Johnson, psychiatrist at Columbia St. Mary's in Milwaukee, WisconsinBeliefnet: Ten Ways to Beat the Holiday Blues

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have the holiday blues, please consult your doctor.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Depression | Seasonal Affective Disorder | Light Therapy | Sleep Disorders | Stress | Anxiety | Insomnia | Alcoholism | Drug Addiction | Suicide | Grief | Christmas | Thanksgiving | New Year's

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