Do depression rates rise during the holidays?

Do depression rates rise during the holidays?

While the holidays are a time for love, joy, and thankfulness, they can be quite stressful for many people. Rates of depression, anxiety, and stress rise over these few months. If you struggle with the Holiday Blues or already have mental health issues, do not hesitate to contact Lifeworks Counseling Center.

How the holidays affect mental health?

According to the American Psychological Association, 38\% of people surveyed said their stress increased during the holiday season, which can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. The reasons given: lack of time, financial pressure, gift-giving, and family gatherings.

Why are the holidays stressful?

There are a lot of expectations around the holidays. Many people associate the holidays with social gatherings, rituals, and happy memories. These expectations can lead to stress. It can quickly become overwhelming to make every meal award-worthy and every wrapped gift look perfect.

How do I deal with my holiday anxiety?

Coping with holiday anxiety and stress

1. Stress and depression during the holidays are commonly associated with:
2. Exercise.
3. Get enough rest.
4. Find time to visit with friends and have some fun.
5. Develop a holiday budget.
6. Use your calendar to plan specific days for shopping, baking, and visiting friends.
7. Get some fresh air.

What is the fear of holidays called?

Heortophobia, from the Greek “herote,” meaning holiday, is an irrational fear of holidays.

What causes holiday anxiety?

Many factors, including unrealistic expectations, financial pressures, and excessive commitments can cause stress and anxiety at holiday time. Certain people may feel anxious or depressed around the winter holidays due to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sometimes referred to as seasonal depression.

How do you beat holiday stress?

Other tips to manage holiday stress:

1. Have a heart-to-heart.
2. Limit alcohol intake.
3. Stick within your normal routine as much as you can.
4. Set a realistic budget and then stick to it.
5. Do not label the season as a time to cure past problems.
6. Don’t be afraid to say no.
7. Find time for yourself.
8. Enjoy free holiday activities.

Why do I cry on every holiday?

Feeling sad during the winter and holiday months may also be a sign of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a form of major depressive disorder (MDD) that occurs in seasonal patterns during certain months of the year.

What are the causes of depression during the holidays?

Social isolation is one of the biggest predictors of depression, especially during the holidays. Some people may have a small social circle or a lack opportunities for socialization. People who have feelings of disconnectedness often avoid social interactions at holiday time.

Can hypothyroidism cause holiday depression?

Hypothyroidism, for example, can sometimes lead to fatigue and symptoms similar to that of depression. There are a number of reasons why people might experience holiday depression. Some of the possible causes include: Lack of sleep: A hectic holiday schedule can lead to a lack of sleep, which increases stress.

Do the holidays make you feel sad or happy?

The holidays are usually viewed as a time of happiness and rejoicing. But for some people, it can be a period of painful reflection, sadness, loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

How do you know if you have holiday depression?

Some signs of holiday depression might include: 2 1 Changes in appetite or weight 2 Changes in sleep patterns 3 Depressed or irritable mood 4 Difficulty concentrating 5 Feelings of worthlessness or guilt 6 Feeling more tired than usual 7 Feeling tense, worried, or anxious 8 Loss of pleasure in doing things you used to enjoy More