Depression during the festive season

The December−January holiday season is fast approaching and people look forward to the holidays, especially Christmas and the New Year festivities. However, the joy and happiness can be overshadowed by feelings of depression.

It has been found that many people face the problem of mood swings and depression during the festive season. If you feel depressed at the prospect of Christmas, you are not alone!

It has been reported worldwide that the number of helpline calls escalates by 40% over the festive season. It is therefore important to know the basic facts about depression, the symptoms, causes and how to manage it, especially during the festive season and more specifically at Christmas.

Symptoms and causes

The most common symptoms of depression include:

• • Mood swings – increased periods of feeling low

• • Disturbed sleep patterns and appetite

• • Low self-esteem

• • Lack of interest in day-to-day activities

• • Poor concentration and tiredness

• • Anxiety

• • Physical symptoms such as headache, rapid pulse, stomach upset

• • Feelings of futility, suicidal thoughts or intentions.

During the festive season many people will be out celebrating with friends and families. However, Christmas can be a sad and lonely time for those who live alone, feeling their isolation even more acutely when faced with enhanced socialising around them. It can be a worrying time, particularly for those on low incomes and benefits who may have gone into debt in order to buy presents for their children and family. Christmas can also be stressful for employees who are under pressure at work to clear the decks before the holidays, but who are also expected to engage in rounds of parties.

Depression during the festive season is sometimes triggered by all the festive preparations in houses, shopping centres, streets and workplaces. Many people experience feelings of exclusion and they usually lack the ability and willingness to take part in all the activities and planning.

How to manage your depression

Although it is important to talk to your doctor if you think you suffer from depression, there are some things you can do to help yourself. The following are hints on how to deal with depression during the festive season:

• • Limit your alcohol intake – alcohol is a depressant and can worsen the effects of depression.

• • Talk to somebody. You may be feeling sad and tired, but still look the same to those around you. The people really close to you will want to help and a sympathetic, listening ear is an important treatment for depression.

• • Plan ahead. If you are worried about being alone, find out what is going on in your area. Join support groups or other community resources available over the festive season. If, on the other hand, you are worried about being overwhelmed at family events, think ahead and choose the ones you want to attend and decline the others.

• • Remember that the festive season lasts only for two to three weeks. After that, things will get back to normal.

Our Employee Wellness Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours if you want to discuss your own or a family member’s depression problems. Contact us on 0861872862 or email us. We are there to support you.