The holiday season is upon us. Thanksgiving is next weekend and Hanukkah and Christmas are right around the corner. Many of us are looking forward to the holiday season and are very happy. But, some do not have the same outlook. For them, the holidays only serve to increase depression. According to WebMD.com, 19 million adults in the United States suffer from depression.
While there is stress associated with the holidays, depression is a medical illness that is different. It is also treatable. Depression is very intense. The feelings of sadness are so debilitating that a depressed person looses interest in most things, including self-care, getting out of bed, eating and the holidays. And it often goes unnoticed in men. Men often do not talk about their feelings so they go unrecognized. And in men, depression often manifests itself as anger or agitation.
Depression is not a normal part of ageing. Yes, ageing brings on a loss of appetite in some people as their number of taste buds decrease. Minor aches and pains increase (especially without enough exercise) and so the desire to get up and go out may decrease. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms or those of a loved one to see if the changes they are exhibiting are normal or depression.
Depression is treatable and does not mean a lifetime of medication. For some, talking with a therapist will be enough and for others, medication may get them over the initial ‘hump’ and be able to come off them under the supervision of a physician.
Depression can affect anyone. Someone who is depressed can be helped if the symptoms are recognized and treated. Talk to your doctor and have a happy holiday season!
While there is stress associated with the holidays, depression is a medical illness that is different. It is also treatable. Depression is very intense. The feelings of sadness are so debilitating that a depressed person looses interest in most things, including self-care, getting out of bed, eating and the holidays. And it often goes unnoticed in men. Men often do not talk about their feelings so they go unrecognized. And in men, depression often manifests itself as anger or agitation.
Depression is not a normal part of ageing. Yes, ageing brings on a loss of appetite in some people as their number of taste buds decrease. Minor aches and pains increase (especially without enough exercise) and so the desire to get up and go out may decrease. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms or those of a loved one to see if the changes they are exhibiting are normal or depression.
Depression is treatable and does not mean a lifetime of medication. For some, talking with a therapist will be enough and for others, medication may get them over the initial ‘hump’ and be able to come off them under the supervision of a physician.
Depression can affect anyone. Someone who is depressed can be helped if the symptoms are recognized and treated. Talk to your doctor and have a happy holiday season!