Holiday Stress & Depression

Holiday stress and depression can make people want to avoid celebrations and hunker down at home away from all the activity. When one person experiences holiday stress and depression, it can negatively affect all members of the household. Fortunately, stress and depression during the holidays are preventable and treatable.

Causes

• Poor relationships with family members can cause stress and depression during the holidays, especially during long family gatherings. Financial concerns because of the added expenses of travel, gifts, food and drinks on top of the usual amount of bills might also result in stress or depression during the holidays. Physical exhaustion resulting from shopping, cooking, decorating, cleaning and entertaining on top of usual activities such as working might also contribute to stress and depression.

Time Frame

• Thanksgiving begins the traditional American holiday season, which extends through Christmas and New Year's Day, which amounts to six or more weeks of stress and depression. Some people might make it through the holiday season without too much difficulty, but experience a letdown or shock after the New Year's Day has passed, according to the National Mental Health Association. In some cases, depression that begins during the holidays can last for months without professional treatment.

Effects

• People who feel stressed and depressed during the holidays might experience unusual fatigue, headaches and insomnia, according to the Mayo Clinic. Increased tension as a result of holiday stress might cause people to argue with others, isolate themselves or perform poorly at work or school. People might also feel guilty or disappointed if they are unable to meet their own expectations or the expectations of others for celebrating the holidays.

Warning

• Stress and depression during the holidays can weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to colds, flu and other illnesses. Stress and depression during the holidays might cause relationships to further deteriorate, and might contribute to the development of detrimental personal behaviors such as excessive drinking or smoking. According to the University of Michigan, overeating is another common effect of stress during the holidays, which can lead to further guilt and worsening of depression.

Prevention/Solution

• The National Mental Health Association recommends forgetting about creating the ideal or "perfect" holiday; no such thing exists. Instead, making new traditions, being realistic about what can and cannot be accomplished, and focusing on free and enjoyable activities rather than expensive entertainment and gifts can help to reduce holiday stress and prevent ensuing depression. Taking a break from the festivities, saying "no" to obligations and family demands, planning ahead, sticking to a set budget, maintaining healthy habits such as regular exercise and seeking professional help if needed can also help to prevent or reduce holiday stress and depression, according to the Mayo Clinic.