Holiday Blues
By: Gretchen Bolander
Updated: April 22, 2010
It's supposed to be the happiest time of the year. Lighting the tree and opening gifts - everything perfect. But for many people, that's far from the case.
Licensed Professional Counselor Debbie Fitzgerald said, "The holidays come with stress and pressure, often unwelcome guests, shopping, cleaning, entertaining, baking, of course, financial hardship. Weather plays a part."
Holiday depression often starts around Thanksgiving and can last through New Year's Day. But the good news is that it shouldn't last much longer than that.
Added Fitzgerald, "If you recognize you are feeling irritable, grouchy, not sleeping well, too much or not enough sleep, feeling just really drained, having headaches, stomach aches, feel a sense of dread about doing something - make an effort to take time out."
And that can be anything from heading to the gym to reading a book, anything to create a little breathing room. But if you find your depression is lasting more than a few weeks, it could be more serious and require professional help. For more information about programs at the Ozark Center, click here.
Licensed Professional Counselor Debbie Fitzgerald said, "The holidays come with stress and pressure, often unwelcome guests, shopping, cleaning, entertaining, baking, of course, financial hardship. Weather plays a part."
Holiday depression often starts around Thanksgiving and can last through New Year's Day. But the good news is that it shouldn't last much longer than that.
Added Fitzgerald, "If you recognize you are feeling irritable, grouchy, not sleeping well, too much or not enough sleep, feeling just really drained, having headaches, stomach aches, feel a sense of dread about doing something - make an effort to take time out."
And that can be anything from heading to the gym to reading a book, anything to create a little breathing room. But if you find your depression is lasting more than a few weeks, it could be more serious and require professional help. For more information about programs at the Ozark Center, click here.
