Holidays Bring Good Cheer, Seasonal Blues

CentralNewsPoint.com (Central Point, OR): The holiday season is a time of optimism and good cheer, but for many, it is also the season for depression. The "holiday blues" is characterized by self-evaluation, loneliness, reflection on past "failures" and anxiety about an uncertain future. Seasonal blues can be caused by many factors: increased stress and fatigue, unrealistic expectations, and family issues. Environmental factors, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder caused by lack of sunlight, can also contribute to feelings of depression. The National Mental Health Association offers some tips to help you cope with seasonal blues: 1) Be realistic about what you can and cannot do, 2) Don't be disappointed if your holidays are not like they used to be. Each holiday season is different and can be enjoyed in its own way, 3) Do something for someone else. Try volunteering some time to help others and 4) Don't drink too much. Excessive drinking will only make you more depressed.