When I was younger I could never
feelings of stress and anxiety. Expectations to
understand why my grandmother never looked
host the perfect party, buy the perfect gift, and
forward to our family Christmas parties and
attend several different holiday events can leave
other holiday festivities. Every year without fail
us feeling overwhelmed.
her depression started in mid to late October,
The
difference
between
holiday
and lasted through January. She used to say,
depression and major depression is, holiday
with a somber look on her face, "Things are just
depression will generally pass when the
not the same." One year I finally asked her,
holiday's are over. Major depression will not
"What's not the same?" She started to explain in
resolve itself and needs medical attention. That
a voice so low that I had to snuggle up beside
is not to say the holiday blues should be ignored,
her to listen. "I have buried both of my parents,
however. If symptoms become more severe and
my husband, two sons, two grandchildren,
do not dicipatate when the holiday season ends,
brothers, and a sister. This is a depressing time
one should seek out medical advice.
of year for me." She said.
Just as the holidays can bring on feelings
Memories of Christmases past with
of sadness, a change in seasons can bring about
loved ones who may no longer be with us can
a more physical mood disorder know as SAD or
bring sadness and loneliness to our hearts even
Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is believed to
in a room full of family and friends. Financial
be caused by a lack of natural sunlight which
hardships during the holidays can bring on
causes a drop in serotonin levels. Serotonin is a