HOLIDAY “STRESS” VERSUS DEPRESSION: HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE

By Written by Jessica Graham Steinhauer, PMH-NP-BC Board Certified Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

This time of the year with holiday parties, craft shows, religious gatherings, family and friend holiday activities and shopping for gifts can be stressful in spite of the excitement. There are two main types of stress―distress and eustress. Distress is thought to be more of a consequence of negative interactions or problems whereas eustress is thought to be the product of positive yet stress producing events.

It can be difficult at times to understand what we are experiencing and decide whether or not it is a normal feeling in any given circumstance. It can be a normal part of the human experience to have occasional feelings of being sad or “blue.” However if these feelings persist or are present for at least two weeks with at least some of the other symptoms listed below, you or a loved one may actually be experiencing depression, a significant medical problem that can result in serious complications when left untreated. The good news is there are effective treatments.

Not all symptoms need to be occurring for depression to be present. Actually in most cases three to four present symptoms is considered to be major depression and requires appropriate treatment.

You may not notice some of these in yourself however others might. Depression can occur frequently with other condition such as anxiety disorders. Like most other conditions the earlier the treatment the more positive the outcome.

Below are the most commonly experienced symptoms of depression:

• Depressed mood

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities which were previously enjoyable

• Feeling sad or empty

• Isolating consistently from family and friends

• Feeling irritable

• Decrease or increase in appetite

• Feeling tired most days of the week

• Sleeping too much or having difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or early morning awakening

• Feelings of restlessness or being slowed down like you are moving through water

• Fatigue or low energy nearly every day

• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt

• Problems in your ability to think or concentrate, or being overly indecisive

• Recurrent thoughts of death or thoughts that you may be better of dead or thinking others may be better off you were not here

• Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness

• Using more alcohol than usual

Ways of coping with Holiday Stress

Be mindful of the things to which you have committed yourself and others in your family. Learn to say "no."

The quality of the time you spend with others is generally more satisfying than the quantity of time or money spent. Stick to a budget!

Consider if there are self-imposed pressures to have your home a certain way or attend a certain amount of activities this time of year. Be mindful of time demands and taking care of one’s self including sleep, eating healthy and exercise.

The following are suggestions adapted from Mayo clinic’s resources on managing holiday stress:

• Acknowledge your feelings

• Be realistic. As life changes, traditions and rituals often change as well.

• Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all of your expectations.

• Get plenty of sleep. Do not abandon your usual routine or healthy habits.

SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IF YOU NEED IT.

If you notice these behaviors, and have concerns about a loved one or yourself, you can visit our website www.qualitylifecounseling.com or call the office at 701-478-0333.