Depression and the New Year

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By Anne Dranitsaris, Ph.D.

The January Blahs are no laughing matter. Rates of depression are actually higher after the holidays. Although many people become depressed during the holiday season, even more respond to the excessive stress and anxiety once the holidays have passed. This post-holiday let down after January 1 can be the result of emotional disappointments experienced during the preceding months as well as the physical reactions caused by excess fatigue and stress.

The holidays often function as an escape from the reality of our lives. December is one continuous parade of family activities, social events and other mood elevating occasions. These activities provide a sense of hopefulness and belonging that may otherwise not be present. This sense of connectedness often makes it easier for depressed individuals to function during the holidays with fewer symptoms. In fact, rates of depression and completed suicides are actually lower during the holiday season.

After the holidays, it is just a matter of time before the symptoms of depression reappear and the elevated mood and distraction created by the holidays begins to wane. Individuals suffering from depression realize that their lives are the same as they were before the holidays, and that the hopefulness they felt was only temporary. This realization often leads to increases in depression and can lead to thoughts of suicide. In fact, suicide rates often spike dramatically after the holidays.

While it's normal to have an emotional reaction to the holidays and the dwindling hours of daylight that crop up each December, experts say that if you're feeling down most of the day, every day, for a period greater than several weeks, it could be a sign of a much more serious problem.

In the months leading up to January, a combination of activities, pressures and demands can result in a myriad of distressing feelings. There's increased stress, fatigue, financial constraints and often times conflict with family and friends are brought to the fore, because you are spending more time with them. There may also be unrealistic expectations during the holidays, about what they should be like, that can lead to more depression.

Depression is treatable! It is a complex condition that is worsened by negative patterns of thinking, rumination and catastrophizing. The following symptoms are also associated with depression:

Appetite and/or weight changes (either loss or gain)
Chronic aches and pains that are not explained by a physical condition
Decreased energy, or a general sense of fatigue
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and worthlessness
Loss of sexual desire
Irritability and/or excessive crying
Loss of interest in activities
Sadness, anxiety, or feelings of emptiness
Sleep disturbances

Treatment for depression involves some kind of talk therapy with a mental health specialist such as a psychotherapist. The two types of therapy that have shown to have the greatest impact on treating depression are interpersonal psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. However, many people suffer prolonged periods of depression because they fear the stigma of mental illness.

Fighting that stigma is one New Year's resolution that people who are experiencing depression should strive to keep. Step one is admitting to yourself that the depression you've been fighting for weeks isn't going away on its own. If that seems difficult, remember that you're not alone. There are thousands of others who've felt the same way-and they've gotten better. With the awareness and determination on your part, you will find the courage to ask for the help you need. When you do, 2008 could just turn out to be one of the best years of your life.

If you or someone you love is experiencing depression, contact our office for a consultation.

Anne Dranitsaris, PhD., is a clinical psychotherapist, corporate therapist, and behavioural change consultant in private practice in Ajax, Ontario. She has more than 25 years experience working with individuals, couples and groups for the treatment of Addiction, Depression and Anxiety, Stress and Anger Management, and Relationship and Family Conflicts.

A frequently published writer and speaker on a broad range of topics on behaviour, Emotional Intelligence and personality styles and their impact in the workplace, Dr. Dranitsaris works with leaders and teams in organizations to help develop Emotional Intelligence, behavioural competence, and relationship skills. She also provides business relationship coaching and counselling for individuals who are experiencing difficulties with their business because of conflict in primary business relationships (partners, leadership groups, boards, etc.). She can be reached at 905.428.1404 or adranitsaris@mindfultherapies.com.


Home: The Centre • Philosophy • Profiles • Contact Us
	Depression and the New Year By Anne Dranitsaris, Ph.D. The *January Blahs* are no laughing matter. Rates of depression are actually higher after the holidays. Although many people become depressed during the holiday season, even more respond to the excessive stress and anxiety once the holidays have passed. This post-holiday let down after January 1 can be the result of emotional disappointments experienced during the preceding months as well as the physical reactions caused by excess fatigue and stress. The holidays often function as an escape from the reality of our lives. December is one continuous parade of family activities, social events and other mood elevating occasions. These activities provide a sense of hopefulness and belonging that may otherwise not be present. This sense of connectedness often makes it easier for depressed individuals to function during the holidays with fewer symptoms. In fact, rates of depression and completed suicides are actually lower during the holiday season. After the holidays, it is just a matter of time before the symptoms of depression reappear and the elevated mood and distraction created by the holidays begins to wane. Individuals suffering from depression realize that their lives are the same as they were before the holidays, and that the hopefulness they felt was only temporary. This realization often leads to increases in depression and can lead to thoughts of suicide. In fact, suicide rates often spike dramatically after the holidays. While it's normal to have an emotional reaction to the holidays and the dwindling hours of daylight that crop up each December, experts say that if you're feeling down most of the day, every day, for a period greater than several weeks, it could be a sign of a much more serious problem. In the months leading up to January, a combination of activities, pressures and demands can result in a myriad of distressing feelings. There's increased stress, fatigue, financial constraints and often times conflict with family and friends are brought to the fore, because you are spending more time with them. There may also be unrealistic expectations during the holidays, about what they should be like, that can lead to more depression. Depression is treatable! It is a complex condition that is worsened by negative patterns of thinking, rumination and catastrophizing. The following symptoms are also associated with depression: Appetite and/or weight changes (either loss or gain) Chronic aches and pains that are not explained by a physical condition Decreased energy, or a general sense of fatigue Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and worthlessness Loss of sexual desire Irritability and/or excessive crying Loss of interest in activities Sadness, anxiety, or feelings of emptiness Sleep disturbances Treatment for depression involves some kind of talk therapy with a mental health specialist such as a psychotherapist. The two types of therapy that have shown to have the greatest impact on treating depression are interpersonal psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. However, many people suffer prolonged periods of depression because they fear the stigma of mental illness. Fighting that stigma is one New Year's resolution that people who are experiencing depression should strive to keep. Step one is admitting to yourself that the depression you've been fighting for weeks isn't going away on its own. If that seems difficult, remember that you're not alone. There are thousands of others who've felt the same way-and they've gotten better. With the awareness and determination on your part, you will find the courage to ask for the help you need. When you do, 2008 could just turn out to be one of the best years of your life. If you or someone you love is experiencing depression, contact our office for a consultation. Anne Dranitsaris, PhD., is a clinical psychotherapist, corporate therapist, and behavioural change consultant in private practice in Ajax, Ontario. She has more than 25 years experience working with individuals, couples and groups for the treatment of Addiction, Depression and Anxiety, Stress and Anger Management, and Relationship and Family Conflicts. A frequently published writer and speaker on a broad range of topics on behaviour, Emotional Intelligence and personality styles and their impact in the workplace, Dr. Dranitsaris works with leaders and teams in organizations to help develop Emotional Intelligence, behavioural competence, and relationship skills. She also provides business relationship coaching and counselling for individuals who are experiencing difficulties with their business because of conflict in primary business relationships (partners, leadership groups, boards, etc.). She can be reached at 905.428.1404 or adranitsaris@mindfultherapies.com.
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