'Tis The Season To Be... Depressed?

 

According to an article from Psychology Today, 45% of North Americans do not find Christmas to be a jolly season. The National Institute of Health claims that experiences of depression increase during Christmas. Additionally, suicides and attempted suicides are off the charts. Why? Isn't Christmas supposed to be a time filled with love, family, and happiness? Well, that is just the problem. Some people are overwhelmed with the need to be "perfect" as the movies and advertisements portray. All of us have seen those heartwarming, lovey-dovey movies about finding true love on Christmas day and spending Christmas unwrapping presents with close friends and family. That is the perfection most people strive for; however, when things do not go their way, and their Christmas is no longer "perfect" because of that family member, job, budget, or spouse, they cannot help but feel depressed for not achieving the ideal image of Christmas. According to this article, some people also feel depressed because of excessive self-reflection about the inadequacies of life, pressure to spend a lot of money on gifts, social gatherings with people they would rather not spend time with, and loneliness because of the loss of loved ones or their jobs. Besides listing the common causes of depression during Christmas, this article also lists some ways to avoid and treat this depression. As stated, mental health professionals suggest to, first and foremost, seek out help. Additionally, set up a budget for gifts bought, be involved in charities and worthwhile causes, be grateful for what you have not what you don't, and focus on all the good things about Christmas like the generosity and kindness of this season. Most important of all (at least to me), don't accept any "perfect" representation of Christmas that is portrayed by the media and other people; lower your expectations to how Christmas should look like and just enjoy each moment you spend with your family and friends because someday those moments might be all that you have left from them.
Link to article: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wired-success/201011/why-people-get-depressed-Christmas