Spread cheer — not tears — this holiday season

I normally choose the topic of my article based on current events, something seasonal, or a recent emergency that I would like to prevent happening in the future. The reason for this article is actually a combination of them all. The world isn’t an easy place; there are so many extrinsic factors out there that can lead to troubling circumstances. Couple those factors with an underlying state of depression, substance abuse or mental illness — and mix in the stress of the holidays — and you can have a recipe for disaster.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — but not for everyone. The holiday blues are a very real phenomenon. The holidays often bring reminders of bad experiences, remorse over loved ones who are no longer with you, and the unwanted guests of stress and depression. It brings a dizzying array of demands physically, emotionally and financially. Between stressful end-of-year deadlines, family dysfunction and loss, and poor eating and drinking habits, it’s easy for the holiday season to feel not so merry.

Constant reminders of others’ happy seasons can additionally serve as a painful reminder of the happiness and love that’s lacking in our own lives. The month of December can be a particularly difficult time of year for those dealing with family conflict, loss, break-ups, divorce, loneliness and mental health issues. Feelings of depression and negative mood affect many people at the holidays, and not just those who have been diagnosed with clinical depression.

Keep an eye out for signs of depression in your loved ones, and realize if you are feeling them that you are not alone. Signs of depression* can include:

Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness 

A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.

Loss of interest in daily activities

No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or intimacy. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.

Appetite or weight changes

Significant weight loss or weight gain — a change of more than 5 percent of body weight in a month.

Sleep changes

Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).