craigdailypress.com

This December, Americans will be bombarded with images of families snuggling around a warm fireplace, singing carols on Christmas Eve, and unwrapping presents around the Christmas tree.

For many people, television specials, catalog ads and shopping mall displays demonstrate the ideal Christmas, and when the holiday season doesn't meet expectations, depression sets in.

Holiday depression can be caused by stress, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, financial constraints, and the inability to be with one's family and friends, according to the National Mental Health Association.

"Folks affected the most (by holiday depression) are those who are alone. Someone sees a TV family get together and starts feeling sad," said David Spencer of Yampa Valley Psychotherapists.

Individuals going through divorce or separated from family may feel especially depressed during the holidays. Relatives and friends of soldiers stationed overseas may struggle this holiday season, Spencer said.

Because the economy has been poor, many families experiencing financial problems may feel more stressed this year than they have in previous years.

Spencer said that people currently in therapy tend to be a little less involved in therapy this time of year.

"Others that aren't in therapy tend to have more severe crises," he said.

At Advocates -- Crisis Support Services, calls regarding holiday depression go up right before and after Christmas, said executive director Pat Tessmer.

Many people become stressed about time management during the holiday season. There isn't enough time to attend all the parties, purchase all the gifts, prepare all the food, and make sure everything is perfect. The result is pre-Christmas depression.

"Many people feel a huge Christmas letdown," Tessmer said. "Families aren't together or abuse is going on when the whole world is talking about peace and love. You see depression at this time because everything is supposed to be rosey and it isn't."

Tragedies that happened around this time of year also make Christmas a hard time of year for some.

Both Spencer and Tessmer drew distinctions between situational depression and chronic depression. While both are serious conditions, someone suffering chronic depression, that is, depression that has lasted for an extended period of time, should seek professional help.

Those suffering depression directly linked to the holidays can help themselves by discussing their feelings with someone else, Tessmer said.

"It's surprising how many people feel the same way," she said.

Many people drink more alcohol during the holidays. It's important to realize that excessive drinking will only increase feelings of depression.

People regularly eat more sugars and fatty foods during this time of year, sending themselves on sugar highs and lows that incite depression.

Spencer recommended that anyone feeling low make an effort to be active, exercise, and volunteer somewhere.

"Do something for someone else," he said. "If family feuds are going on, it's time to drop the issue. It's time to reach out to others and contact friends."

If a friend appears to be suffering from holiday depression, Spencer advises others to reach out to them, spend a few hours together over coffee, and let them know you're available.

If someone is truly alone, Spencer said there are still ways of getting together with others. He said senior citizen organizations and churches host events, and Alcoholics Anonymous holds additional meetings.

Classic warning signs of depression include trouble sleeping, eating too much or not at all, loss of interest or refusal to participate in holiday events, a desire to isolate oneself, tearfulness, talk of how hopeless things are, excessive drinking, drug use, lapses in personal hygiene and cleanliness, and sudden changes in behavior.

Rob Gebhart can be reached at 824-7031 or by e-mail at rgebhart@craigdailypress.com.