Recognizing the Holiday Blues

Be wary of a potential misstep concealed within the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, which stretches from Thanksgiving through Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Like Alice, who realized too late she was plummeting down the rabbit hole, you might find yourself unwittingly falling into the dark hole called the "holiday blues."

If so, you’re likely to feel paradoxical anguish instead of the usual good cheer. It’s a temporary, usually milder form of depression.

Some people may be more susceptible to this frustrating condition than others, but there are ways to help ward it off.

It’s important to realize you’re not alone. Though they may not talk about it, many other people also experience similar unwelcome feelings of sadness, alienation, and being overwhelmed.

The holiday blues can mimic clinical depression or seasonal affective disorder.

Seasonal affective disorder (or SAD, aptly enough) is a type of depression that appears to be associated with light deprivation. It can recur each fall and winter during the year’s shortest and darkest days.

Compared to the blues, the symptoms of clinical depression can be more debilitating and can extend past the holidays.

The "holiday blues" is just as real as clinical depression. Things that may help bring on the condition include:

_Conflicting family expectations and demands that create guilt and resentment.

_Separation from loved ones because of distance, illness, or death.

_Wishing to recapture feelings (real or fantasized) associated with past holidays.

_Unrealistic expectations of friends, family, job, or church to participate in seasonal festivities beyond the normal routine.

_Financial pressures of the holidays, including the purchase of gifts, clothes or party items.

_Fatigue from additional stress.

Here are ways to help cope with the holiday blues:

_Realize that the stress and pressures of the holidays are real, and will soon pass.

_Allow yourself to feel temporarily blue, but try not to fall into a rut.

_Don’t isolate yourself. Acknowledge that you may need more support from friends and family during this time.

_Be moderate in daily activities, including socializing, eating, drinking, and shopping.

_Weigh priorities to protect your health.

_Continue participating in activities that bring pleasure, such as reading, sports, or music.

_Volunteer to do something to help others.

If the "blues" don’t fade away with time as expected, it’s a good idea to seek professional help.

Here’s wishing everyone the best and brightest holiday season possible.

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NOTE: Many people report having difficulty finding a clinic that administers Zostavax, the vaccine given to prevent shingles. Lots of readers have responded to my request to hear the experiences of those who have managed to get vaccinated. Look for a follow-up column sharing these stories as well as tips on sorting through insurance billing and coverage issues.

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Richard Harkness is a consultant pharmacist, natural medicines specialist, and author of eight published books. Write him at 1224 King Henry Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564; or rharkn@aol.com. Selected questions will be used in the column.