The Holiday Blues
Most Americans are now wrapping up the season to be jolly.
But for many others, the season of red and green quickly turned into the season
of the blues. "Holiday blues" is another term for the seasonal depression which
affects many people during the winter months when, as a result of the social,
family and financial pressures, they experience increased symptoms of depressed
mood or anxiety. For some, the holiday blues resolve as quickly as the holidays
end; for others, the symptoms linger as long as the cold winter nights.
People who suffer from the holiday blues may find that participating
in normal holiday activities is extremely difficult. They may be unable to
enjoy parties, family and friends, food, and work or social gatherings. People
who feel despair, agitation, hopelessness or guilt for more than a month may
be suffering from depression, a potentially serious-but treatable-medical condition.
Those who feel an intense form of anxiety surrounding social situations year
round, such as parties, friend and work gatherings may unknowingly suffer from
social anxiety disorder. They may also not know that this too is a treatable
condition.
The holiday blues may be common and most likely will subside
with the New Year. However, in those whose feelings of hopelessness or despair
persist, it may be an indication that a more serious, underlying condition exists.
The symptoms associated with these conditions can be worsened by the social
demands associated with the holidays, but may warrant effective treatment by
a physician, ideally a psychiatrist. Some people may unknowingly suffer from
major depressive disorder or depression, the most common psychiatric disorder
in the United States, affecting more than 19 million Americans each year. Common
symptoms include sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities.
While this may be sub-clinical or less apparent at other times of the year,
the additional pressures of the holiday season may make the diagnosis more readily
apparent.
Other people may be experiencing the symptoms of social anxiety
disorder, the most common form of anxiety disorder, which affects more than
10 million Americans. People with social anxiety disorder have an intense
fear of being scrutinized by other people in social or performance situations
as well as being fearful of negative evaluation. Around the holidays, these
symptoms are exacerbated by the holiday cheer, parties, and increased gift-giving.
Even going to the mall to buy a gift can be a stressful and emotionally challenging
activity for someone with this condition.
Despite the millions of diagnosed depression and social anxiety
disorder sufferers who have been treated and received help, there are millions
more that remain undiagnosed and untreated. While suffering in silence, especially
during the holidays, many people with this condition attempt to dull their feelings
of despair by self-medicating with inappropriate drugs or alcohol and sometimes
even with both. This can lead to potentially disastrous consequences, both
for themselves, and others.
If you or someone you know is suffering from the holiday blues, social anxiety,
or depression, the best gift you can give them is the encouragement and support
to seek professional help.
Created: 1/2/2004 - Donnica Moore, M.D.
