Mental Health and the Holidays
by Jaclyn Psenka, MA
The holiday season may bring joy and time with your loved ones, but the holiday season also can trigger difficult thoughts, feelings and behavior especially if you have less plans or feel more isolated at home. Whether it be colder weather, less sunlight, or busier schedules, this time of year can feel overwhelming, lonely, or exhausting. If you or your loved ones feel heavier around the holidays, you are not alone!
This time of year, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) symptoms may also arise. This is characterized by feeling a significant mood change when the seasons change. It is not considered a separate disorder, but a type of depression.
Symptoms of SAD include:
● Sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
● Feeling hopeless, worthless, guilty
● Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
● Fatigue or decreased energy
● Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
● Oversleeping
● Overeating or lack of appetite
● Social withdrawal
● Difficulty sleeping
● Irritability
● Thoughts of death or self-harm
It may be helpful to get your Vitamin D levels checked since the naturally occurring dip in levels due to less sun can create symptoms of depression. In these months, it is important to get the sunlight you can to keep these levels consistent.
Sometimes, however, it’s not just the “winter blues.” Learn more about the signs and symptoms of SAD, a type of depression, and how to get help: samhsa.gov/mental-health/seasonal-affective-disorder
If you or someone you know is currently experiencing thoughts of suicide, or a mental health or substance use crisis, please call 988 to reach Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and speak with a trained crisis specialist 24/7.
