The holiday season may be a time of happiness for many but for others it can also be the time of year that they are likely to feel depressed.
Financial stress, increased alcohol or food consumption, Seasonal Affective Disorder and loneliness are common contributors to depression during the holidays.
While the source of depression may vary from person to person, there are chronic behaviors and health problems that are widely recognized as symptoms of the disorder. Some of these include:
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Sleeping excessively
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that were once enjoyable
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
People who experience bouts of depression during the holidays can reduce these symptoms by:
- Asking for help when holiday stressors become overwhelming
- Moderating alcohol consumption
- Spending time with loved ones
- Exercising
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet
- Getting enough sleep
- Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation
If symptoms of depression persist or progress into self-harming thoughts, please seek the help of a mental health professional immediately. It is important to remember there is no shame in receiving assistance from mental health professionals; they will help you to identify the source of your depression and offer several options for treatment.
To schedule an appointment with a mental health professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5316 or 718-670-5562
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.