Neither the Christmas carols nor the Christmas lights can prevent it. Christmas is the time of year when we get most depressed , according to Erik Nelson, a psychiatrist at the University of Cincinnati (USA) and an expert in mood disorders. “It is the time when the days are shorter , and the absence of light in the late afternoon affects many people,” says Erik Nelson, co-author of the work. “In addition, in some subjects painful memories related to the loss of loved ones or a stressful childhood become more acute,” adds the researcher.
Sleeping more than necessary, as well as experiencing changes in appetite and weight, difficulty concentrating and loss of interest in activities that were previously fun are some of the symptoms of this discomfort, according to Nelson. Spending more time outdoors and exercising can help alleviate it, adds the researcher.
Depression tends to increase during vacations due to an increase in perceived stressful situations related to family problems and the inability to manage expectations.
During the holidays, the amount of activities, tasks and social events that we must manage increases. Buying gifts can cause financial and emotional stress and can create the need to cope with crowds, traffic, and malls or department stores. Family, school, neighborhood and work celebrations and parties create social, time and energy demands. Traveling to be with family or friends on vacation can cause a variety of additional stress. Not being able to be with family or friends (for whatever reason) can also be very stressful. School, work, and sleep schedules are often disrupted during the holidays, and healthy ways to manage stress, such as ensuring good nutrition and daily exercise, are often disrupted as well.
Family problems
Holidays are synonymous with family , so any problems we have with the family will come to the fore during this time. If there is loss, dysfunction, addiction, abuse, disconnection, separation, estrangement or divorce, then there is the possibility of having to control the emotions related to these problems. For someone who already has depression, it is an additional emotional burden.
Although the holidays can be a time of celebration and a return to faith or values, all the increasing demands on time, energy, patience and flexibility can take their toll.
For those who have depression and are already struggling with symptoms of fatigue, irritability, sadness … they feel unable to cope with change or additional stress; The result of all the added stress of the holidays can be simply feeling unable to live up to those expectations, which can unfortunately lead to a further feeling of depression.
When one of the expectations of the vacation is to be “happy,” there is a 100% chance of failure for the person with depression. A common symptom of depression is anhedonia, or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities or the inability to experience pleasure.
Due to increased stressful demands, an inability to avoid family problems, and difficulty managing expectations, vacations can leave a person suffering from depression with increased feelings of sadness, guilt, alienation, and unworthiness.
