Tips and Myths about “Holiday Blues”
Dec. 5, 2008 | Author: Sam DonaldsonAlways around this time we hear in the media and other sources how the holiday season is so stressful and creates more depression and anxiety. With few exceptions, I see that the evidence is actually to the contrary, that the holiday season is actually one in which people smile more, socialize more, and, yes, even enjoy seeing their families. Many people believe that suicide rates are higher and depression is higher this time of year, but the data simply doesn’t support this. (I, personally, am a big fan of data.) On the contrary, in the behavioral health managed care industry we actually see utilization of all services begin a gradual decline from about mid-November through the month of December, and this year is no exception. Also, the suicide rate is actually quite low in comparison to the peak months of April and May.
So, don’t buy into the fact that you are supposed to be feeling stressed and blue. Keep in mind it is still, as with everything, all about your attitude and expectations regarding the season as to whether you have an enjoyable one or not. If your family always gets into a knock down drag out fight on Christmas Eve, why try to hope for it to go differently and be disappointed. Instead, plan on how you are going to do something different for yourself so you don’t get pulled into the predictable family dysfunction. Many people keep trying to compare this holiday season to those of the past. This is another bad move. Each holiday season is different and trying to recapture the past is again another set up for disappointment. For all you know, you are living, right now, the “good old days” which you will appreciate in the future.
So, there is nothing inherently stressful and depressing about the holidays. On the contrary, it is nice to have a time of year, every year, where we are reminded about the importance of such values as giving, of acknowledging that there are others in the world far less fortunate, of appreciating family/friends, and embracing the messages of the season of re-birth and forgiveness. I think everyone can buy into these values irrespective of religious belief.
Having written this, I do want to acknowledge that this season can be particularly hard on those who have suffered major losses recently, particularly the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job. The holiday season can be a painful reminder of an absence of someone we loved, and the economic consequences of the loss of a job can be felt as humiliation during a time of gift giving, especially to the children. We do need to be mindful of these people in our lives and to give them all the support we can.
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Dec. 5, 2008 at 11:56 AM
This is a really interesting topic Sam. The “Holiday Blues” is something we hear about all the time. I was surprised to learn by reading this that data shows suicide and depression rates are lower around this time because it does seem drilled into our head that those trend up around the holidays.
But, the more I thought about this while reading this blog, the more I agree with what you have to say. As each year passes and close ones may move farther away, I know it’s always the Holidays where we can all come back together.
It even makes sense from the standpoint of loss. Even if we lose a loved one or a job or whatever else at least during the Holidays we can be with people who can help us cope with that loss and help us heal and plan for the future.
Dec. 5, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Wow, it is really interesting that data supports a decline in behavioral health issues around the holidays! This messages provides positive reinforcement to embrace our blessings by helping those around us who might be struggling.
Dec. 8, 2008 at 9:37 AM
Sam, you’ve given me another reason to just turn off the news. I think most of media subscribes to negativity=increased ratings. I just heard a news story this morning trying to link “a possible incresed risk of suicide” this holiday season with the risky economy. I listened carefully and it was shameful how little data there was attributed to a reliable source. Just lots of ancectodal interviews at a mall in New Jersey.
Dec. 10, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Your comment on data needed to be said. Random interviews and sound-bites can so easily be done to say ALMOST anything that the reporter wants to say.
You mentioned the difficulty of the holiday season for those persons who have lost a loved one. Another group that is at high risk for depression is the “one-person-family”. I know from projected experience. My entire family is my very elderly mother and I. We have many friends but they all have large families of their own. So I’ve been building in some Christmas “safeguards”.
Dec. 11, 2008 at 5:44 PM
I like the reality statement of ” it’s all about your attitude and expectations regarding the season as to whether you have an enjoyable one or not.” Too, combating the “data” is a breath of fresh air and helps break some old stigmas.
FYI, in a training some years ago was a suggestion I still use. Decorate slowly day by day to build up to the holiday and take things down slowly so as to avoid dramatic decor and the shock of starkness when decorations are removed. If you care for children or persons who have struggles with change, this is a good way to help pace the change and give a sense of order to the change. And it makes the holidays longer.