The Holiday Blues or Something Else?

This time of year the air waves are full of holiday songs, movies with happy endings and scenes of family and friends coming together to share a meal, fond memories and good cheer.

Keep in mind that not everyone fits into this idyllic representation of the holiday season.

For many people this is a time of sadness and loneliness. Loneliness is more common than you may think. According to the American Psychological Association 25% of the population feel lonely during the holiday season.

People who may be most vulnerable this holiday include people who live far from loved ones, parents whose children have left home, seniors, individuals with health challenges, or those who are dealing with the grief of a loved one who has passed or the end of a once valued relationship.

If possible, it’s important for each of us to reach out to family, friends and neighbors who may be alone or struggling this holiday season.

HOLIDAY BLUES

“Holiday Blues” may occur during any holiday or vacation period, but seems to be most common during the December holidays. The feelings of the “Holiday Blues” can be intense and unsettling, but these feelings are usually short term, lasting only a few days to a few weeks prior to or just after the holiday. These unpleasant symptoms usually subside after the holiday season and the person is able to resume their normal day to day activities.

Sampling of Symptoms

• changes in appetite causing weight loss or gain
• agitation or anxiety
• decreased interest in activities
• an ability to maintain a daily routine despite emotional discomfort
• decreased concentration, but an ability to complete tasks
• tearfulness, but after crying there is a small measure of relief
• no appreciable changes in personal hygiene
• no thoughts of self harm or harm toward others
• sadness which is usually limited to less than 2 weeks

HOLIDAY BLUES vs. SOMETHING ELSE

Many people suffer from the holiday blues and it passes relatively soon as the holiday season comes to an end. For others the feelings linger impacting the person’s life in a number of different ways.

What else could explain the way you’re feeling?

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

It is estimated that 11 million people are diagnosed with this disorder which has been incorrectly referred to as “winter blues. Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD, is a mood disorder characterized by mental depression related to a certain season of the year, most often being winter. SAD is a clinical diagnosis with the onset usually occurring during adulthood, and is four times more likely to be experienced by women than by men.

Sampling of Symptoms

• daytime drowsiness
• fatigue or low energy
• decreased sex drive
• difficulty thinking clearly & diminished concentration
• tendency to overeat
• weight gain

ANXIETY

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is believed to affect more than 4 million Americans annually, and is characterized by 6 months or more of chronic, exaggerated worry and tension that is unfounded or much more severe than the normal anxiety most people experience. People with this disorder usually expect the worst; they worry excessively about money, health, family, or work, even when there are no signs of trouble.

Sampling of Symptoms

• panic, fear, or apprehension
• uncontrollable obsessive thoughts
• sleep disturbances with nightmares
• fatigue
• feeling cold and clammy
• irritability
• muscular tension
• feeling lightheaded or out of breath
• nausea
• frequent trips to the bathroom
• feeling of a lump in the throat

DEPRESSION

It is estimated that 17.6 million American adults (10% of the population) suffer from depression.
There are 3 forms of depression:

1. Major depression - a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person’s ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. These episodes may occur only once, but more commonly occur several times in a lifetime.

2. Dysthymia - a less severe type of depression, and involves long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable, but keep one from functioning well or from feeling good. Many people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes at some time in their lives.

3. Bi-polar disorder - also called manic-depressive is a chronic recurring condition that includes cycles of depression and elation (mania).

Sampling of Symptoms

Depression

• persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
• feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
• loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed
• decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed down”
• difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating and weight gain
• thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
• restlessness, irritability
• persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment - e.g. headache

Mania

• abnormal or excessive elation
• unusual irritability
• decreased need for sleep
• grandiose notions
• increased talking
• racing thoughts
• increased sexual desire
• poor judgment
• inappropriate social behavior

My wish for and your loved ones is that you have a healthy and happy holiday season.

If however you find yourself struggling, remember that help is just a phone call away!

MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESOURCES

CT Department of Mental Health and Addictions Services
410 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
800-446-7348
TDD: 888-621-3551
www.dmhas.state.ct.us

F.S. DuBois Center
(Operated by the State of CT)
780 Summer Street
Stamford, CT 06905
For general information: 203-388-1600
Crisis services: 203-358-8500

SAMHSA’s National Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
TTY: 1-800-487-4889

Veteran’s Crisis Line
1-800-273-8255
TTY: 1-800-799-4889

Connecticut Suicide Hotline
Serving Southwestern CT
Greater Bridgeport Community Mental Health Center
8am - 8pm
(203) 551-7507

CT Info-line
Dial 211
http://www.211ct.org

Photo from The Printshop

The information in this article is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient provider relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.

Please consult your health care provider for an appointment, before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.

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Linda Ziac is the owner and founder of The Caregiver Resource Center. Linda founded her company in October 1990, and provides concierge case management and advocacy services for seniors, people with special needs and families.

Linda’s professional career spans 39 years in the health and mental health field as a CT Licensed Professional Counselor, CT Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Board Certified Case Manager, and Board Certified Dementia Practitioner.

Linda’s role is to work with the client, their family and healthcare professionals to help assess, plan for and implement ways to allow for their greatest degree of health, safety, independence, and quality of life. We are often asked to help when a person is taken to the ER, is in the hospital, or there is a need to help assess and implement a plan to address a person’s day to day needs.

This process involves identifying a client’s abilities and needs, and helping to design a care plan (road map) that is composed of a spectrum of services, that best meets the unique needs of that particular client. A client and their family select the services that they want, and they only pay for those services.

http://www.CaregiverResourceCenter.com