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Depression can make holidays less joyous for some people

Aberdeen American News (SD) - 12/24/2014

Dec. 24--The holiday season is typically portrayed as one of the most joyous times of the year. But for people experiencing emotional pain, it can be anything but, according to Aberdeen mental health professionals.

Joni Larson, a counselor with Avera Medical Group Psychiatry Aberdeen, said that while societal messages and holiday advertising point to the Christmas season as being a time of smiles and family togetherness, many face emotional struggles that can be particularly pronounced during the winter months.

"This can be a very stressful time of year for a lot of people," Larson said. "People can really feel as though they are not living up to expectations of how they should feel around the holidays. These feelings can be exacerbated by factors such as the recent loss of a loved one, lack of seasonal sunlight and economic hardships, among other stressors."

James Chiu, another psychiatrist with Avera Medical Group Psychiatry Aberdeen, said that the holidays don't cause clinical depression. But they can certainly add to feelings of sadness or stress, he said.

"Depression is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of illnesses," Chiu said. "It's used to describe everything from prolonged sadness after the death of a loved one to the after-effects of childhood abuse or neglect to an inherited chemical imbalance."

Larson, who has worked in Aberdeen for six years, said there is often an influx of people who come in seeking help in spring after they discover their feelings of sadness do not subside once the holidays pass.

Chiu said symptoms of clinical depression include feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or helplessness; thoughts of suicide; ongoing sleep problems; loss of appetite or over-eating; becoming withdrawn and loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable.

Larson offered tips to help brighten the season:

-- Manage expectations: "The holidays can become more about the work of preparation than the joy of spending time with family and friends. Society puts a lot of pressure on us to create the perfect holiday, yet no one can live up to these expectations. Don't try to do it all, and ask for help."

-- Take care of yourself: "Don't deprive yourself of sleep, healthy meals or regular exercise. Be self-aware."

-- If there's been a loss in your family, give yourself and others permission to be sad: "The same traditions might be too difficult. If so, consider doing something different -- go on a trip, spend time with new friends, volunteer or have a relaxing day at home."

-- Remember that a holiday is just one day: "Our society has us building up for Christmas from early October on through January. That day can mean whatever you want it to mean."

-- Give yourself a gift, too: "Read a book, take a day off or take a nap. Spend time with people who are important to you. Do those things that bring you joy and peace."

-- Beware of unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as too much alcohol or food or abuse of prescription or illicit drugs: "If you deal with depression, anxiety, addiction or another mental health condition, don't pretend it isn't there. Look to friends, family, a support group or counselor if you need added support. Remember that substances, other than your prescribed medications, will only add to the depression and anxiety."

Follow @bryan_horwathon Twitter.

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(c)2014 the American News (Aberdeen, S.D.)

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