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Recognize the signs and symptoms of seasonal depression

By Darrah Dickinson

For most, the holidays are a time of joy, relaxation, and fun. Unfortunately, some people do not view this season as positively.

Holidays, particularly Christmas, can be stressful for a number of reasons, such as worry about money and time management. This is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is linked to several things, particularly an increase in melatonin, “a hormone produced in the brain that helps regulate other hormones” according to the Mayo Clinic, and an increase in isolation because it’s cold so most people tend to stay inside.

Thanks to the aforementioned increase in melatonin, some will experience disrupted sleep and mood changes. People who are dealing with these things are far more likely to exhibit symptoms of depression.

It’s also important that we reach out to loved ones who may be dealing with loss or separation during the holidays. It’s not unusual for people to struggle more with the death of a family member or friend during the time when people are supposed to be together. There are also just some people who can’t be with those they love through the holidays for other reasons, especially this year dealing with the isolating effects of COVID-19.

According to Rolling Stone magazine, Dr. Deborah Birx, the Coronavirus Response Coordinator for the White House, says, “If your family traveled, you have to assume that you are exposed and you became infected.” She recommends that you wear masks, avoid people with immune deficiencies, and stay home as much as possible. This extra isolation poses yet another obstacle for people trying to deal with seasonal depression. Make sure to keep in contact with them and let them know they aren’t alone. If you were in a big group for Thanksgiving and/or travelled, Dr. Birx recommends you get tested after the following week.

One student, Hayden Hamlin, decided to share how the winter season affects him. He reported an increase in anxiety and feelings of loneliness as well as a lack of motivation, all of this on top of his usual symptoms of depression.

He comments that for people with anxiety, this time can be incredibly challenging, as everything is very “fast-paced” but still very “present.” During this time of year, the holidays don’t stop. Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas feel as though they happen one after another. Hamlin says the cherry on top of everything is that “the end of the year grows dangerously close, and to kids with anxiety, it makes everything seem so close, so bunched up.”

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to deal with this seasonal depression. Like always, exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, and making sure you maintain a consistent sleep schedule are great ways to manage your stress, anxiety, and depression.

Furthermore, it’s important to acknowledge your feelings. Pushing them down because this is meant to be a time of joy is only harmful. Don’t try to avoid them. Rather acknowledge them and work to help ease your negative thoughts and feelings.

Make sure you set a budget and stick to it. Money is a big issue this time of year. Same with a schedule. Running out of time and still having a lot to do causes a lot of problems when it comes to how you’re handling things emotionally.

Don’t forget that this is the season of giving! Do something nice for someone else and see just how much better you feel afterwards. Being generous and thoughtful isn’t just good for other people, but also for you.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to reach out. Even if you can’t be with family or friends, you should still talk to them. There is absolutely no reason for you to deal with these things alone. Always be willing to talk to a professional if your situation is particularly challenging. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should seek help if you begin to lose joy in activities you used to love, your feelings of depression begin to interfere with your life or persist for an extended period of time, or if you begin to experience thoughts of suicide.

Hamlin says the best way to get through the hectic holiday season is to “lose yourself in something you love.” For him, this is generally going on long walks and reading. For you, it could be anything at all, such as a sport, family time, art, or anything else you enjoy doing.

Finally, Hamlin wants everyone struggling with this to know they are supported and they are not alone, even though depression can lead to feelings of isolation. He recommends you reach out to people, even though it may sound unpleasant saying, “talking through your emotions with someone will help you, I promise.” He also wants everyone to know that depression isn’t easy, and it can be an “uphill battle” but that it gets better. He further commented, “I hate being told that, but it’s true.” Hamlin’s last piece of advice is to remember that “finding happiness in yourself is the key.” He says to tell yourself you’re amazing until you believe it “because you are, and everyone [else] knows it.”

The holidays are a happy time, and they can be for you, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. To read more in depth on the “Holiday Blues,” click here. To read more about how to deal with your seasonal depression, click here.