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Depression May Foil Holiday Joy

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 3, 2008

The holiday season is here again and it is perhaps a good idea to remember that the holidays can bring depressive reactions.

How do we know this? Mental health professionals and services know this season always brings an increase in the number of people of all ages seeking help for depression. Why is this so? There are several factors, so the theories speculate. The holidays are a time of celebrating with loved ones and friends. Perhaps they are no longer with us or can't join us and we are reminded of times when they were with us. This can remind us of other losses as disappointments. The list can go on and on.

Just what are the symptoms of depression? Below is a checklist symptoms. If you experience four or more for longer than two weeks, then professionals recommend both a physical and psychological examination. Medications and/or physical health problems can create mood changes and your medical doctor needs to evaluate these before referring for treatment:

• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness

• Anxious or empty mood
• Thoughts of death, suicide or a suicide attempt
• Neglect of personal care

• Irritability, difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions

• Sleep problems
• Eating problems such as loss of appetite, significant loss or weight gain

• Excessive crying

• Decreased energy, fatigue

• Recurring aches and pains that do not respond to medical treatments, physical health problems
Your medical doctor can determine if your symptoms have physical reasons and if not, refer you for a psychological evaluation and treatment which can help with depression.

And perhaps of equal importance, reach out and enjoy our loved ones, family, and friends. Research shows a social support system greatly reduces depression. Just what constitutes such a system? One definition is feeling loved, cared for, and esteemed.

Thanks to our board member, Paul Peck, we now have our very own Web site, coalitionmha.com. Readers can check this for information about activities, news, and resources and services.

I wish you all healthy and happy holidays.

Loys Rafferty is a psychologist and author. She contributes this column on behalf of the Sun City Center Coalition for Mental Health and Aging and can be reached at (813) 634-0902 or by e-mailing raffbob@aol.com.

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