10 Common Symptoms of Depression During The Holidays
By Sandy Morris on Dec 21, 2009 in Featured, Health-N-Fitness
- Image by Lst1984 via Flickr
Do you know the 10 Common Symptoms of Depression that can bring havoc during the holidays?
Every year over 9.5 per cent of the American population suffers from depression. During the holidays depression can overwhelm even the strongest of stamina’s. In addition to the holidays bringing stress and depression the state of the economy has also added undue pressures. Depression is a grave illness that affects day to day life and if left untreated can destroy families. It is a disorder that controls the mind and its functions causing loss of appetite, sleeplessness, mood swings, and a deep sense of despair.
The symptoms of depression are varied and the severity changes with time. And, according to experts depression can be an inherited disorder, or caused by life threatening illnesses, or stress. Other causes are certain diseases, medicines, drugs, alcohol, or mental illness. Women are seen to experience depression more than men and this is attributed to hormonal swings, menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, pre-menopause, and post-menopause. The holiday season can also bring its own set of pressure and depression from failing to live up to what you think you should be.
Common symptoms are:
1. An unshakeable sadness, anxiety, or emptiness feeling.
2. Overwhelming hopelessness accompanied by continual pessimistic feelings.
3. Extreme guilt, feelings of helplessness, and no sense of self worth.
4. Loss of energy, a slowing down of metabolism, and activity levels. Being plagued by constant fatigue.
5. An increasing inability to focus for any length of time and indecisiveness to make decisions.
6. Loss of sound sleep and development of extreme insomnia.
7. Inexplicable weight loss or weight gain. Triggered by loss of appetite or eating binges.
8. Brooding and suicidal inclinations.
9. Irritability, short temper, as well as constant restlessness.
10. Physical afflictions like headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain for no particular reason.
If you experience any of the above along with a marked change in behavior do consult your doctor. He will give you a thorough examination to rule out physical causes for depression as well as any underlying medical problems. Then if required he could recommend medication to help or request that you consult a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Take matters in hand, try and erase negativity from your mind. Cut out from you life terms like exhaustion, worthlessness, and hopelessness. Change your life by setting yourself a few goals. Try and relax, meditate, and enjoy music. Start new activities that absorb your time as well as interests. Go out and meet people and participate in group activities. Avoid the company of negative people. Make up your mind to enjoy a movie, ballgame, family outing, picnic, or trek. Be positive, self confident, and have faith in yourself. Faith is itself a great healer. Decide to change your world for the better. However do follow the doctors advice.
Treatment can include: anti-depressant medicines, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle changes. In extreme cases electroconvulsive therapy or light therapy can be prescribed.
If your depression escalates or you are suicidal seek help from your family physician or health care provider immediately. Do call a local health department, a community mental health center, or hospital or clinic.
Someone will extend a helping hand and talk you through the crisis. You are an important part of the world, a vital part of society and needed by your family.
For additional information read these articles:
- Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder a.k.a. Winter Blues (slideshare.net)
- Tai Chi Chuan For Mental Health, A Stress Management Tool (tai-chi-fitness-for-health.com)
- Survey Reveals Big Gap in Understanding of Depression; Almost 50 Percent of Caregivers Have Also Been Diagnosed (prweb.com)
- Dealing with Winter Depression
- Depression Center at WebMD
- Study identifies those elderly most at risk for major depression (scienceblog.com)
- Throw Some Vitamin Ds on It (seattlest.com)
