You’ve probably heard people say that depression gets worse during the holidays. Often people feel sad and alone if they don’t have others to share those special times together.
Or you may have even heard that rates of suicide actually go up during the holidays.
Are these claims correct?
Sifting through what’s true and what isn’t can be confusing. That’s why it’s important to read on and learn the truth about these myths and get the facts.
Being informed is especially important if you or someone you know is struggling with depression. That way you, or they, can get the necessary support to get better.
Let’s put some of that holiday depression lore under the microscope.
Is Seasonal Affective Disorder Real?
The short answer is: yes.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a real condition that does affect people during the holiday season. Why?
One reason is because the days in the fall and winter are shorter than during the summer months. This means that your sleep cycle, or circadian rhythm, is thrown out of whack, and you get less restful sleep.
Another reason is that because the days are shorter, you are also getting exposed to less sunlight. This, in turn, means lower levels of serotonin, which can cause depression. Also, less sun exposure means less melatonin production, which is important when it comes to mood.
Are People More Prone to Suicide During the Holidays?
The facts say: no.
Statistics show that, during the holidays, suicide levels are actually quite low compared to the rest of the year.
You would think if you are experiencing a combination of cold, dark weather with feeling isolated from others during a time of family and community activities that one might develop depression, or worse. However, the facts show that the months with the highest suicide rates are actually during the spring and fall, not in the winter.
Yet, the holidays may still influence the timing of these tragic actions in a sense. One thought is that people are anticipating the holidays and choose to take their lives before the holiday season. Another thought is that they wait till after the holidays so that they can have one more holiday season with loved ones.
Can Staying Positive Help with Holiday Depression?
Absolutely!
In fact, research shows that having a positive mindset can help improve both your physical and mental health. This is especially true if you have something to look forward to in the future that gives you hope. You wind up spending less time feeling stressed-out and worried about the present.
Also, positive thinking just makes you feel better about yourself. And it can even help you with recovering more quickly if you are sick.
Thus, if you are struggling with holiday depression just shifting your mindset even a little can be very helpful.
Ways to Cope with Holiday Depression
If you are struggling with depression during the holidays, reflect on what you are experiencing and try to identify the emotions you are feeling.
Another idea is to find opportunities to practice positive thinking, such as expressing gratitude to others. When frozen by indecision over what to do with a situation, just make a decision and choose to move forward.
Finally, making a connection with other people is also very helpful. This could be from a variety of sources, for example:
- Family and friends
- Your place of worship
- Clubs and social organizations
- Your gym
- Neighborhood associations
- Community-held events
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Holiday depression is a real and can be a burden for those struggling during what’s supposed to be a time of joy.
This can be even more difficult when there are confusing myths surrounding depression during this time of the year and how it affects or doesn’t affect people. However, by knowing the facts, you can take preemptive steps to ensure that you don’t get stuck with holiday depression. And instead, you get to fully enjoy the holiday season.
Please, learn more about my approach to treatment of depression by clicking HERE.
