Depression is more than just the 'Winter Blues. Depression is a serious disorder that can affect your mood stability as well as your physical health. Over 6% of American adults have been diagnosed with S.A.D. or seasonal affective disorder or seasonal depression. The added burden of financial stress and family conflict can make the holiday season a darker and more difficult time for these individuals.

What are the main symptoms of Depression?

Depression isn't a one stop destination for sadness. It shows itself in many forms. Here are a few of the most common, and sometimes, overlooked symptoms that are related to anxiety and depression.

• Overwhelming sadness
• Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
• Anxiety
• Loss of interest in activities that used to hold meaning
• Physical symptoms, such as migraines, tiredness and lethargy
• Changes in appetites and weight fluctuations
• Thoughts of self injury and suicide

These symptoms can escalate during the holidays due to lack of sunlight, additional pressures to 'feel happy', financial strain brought on from gift giving and travel, emotional strain from family conflicts, and the internal pressures felt by seeing everyone around you in a good mood, making you feel as though you should feel joyful as well.

Anxiety can also become heightened during the holiday season. There is no doubt that Christmas can feel stressful to anyone. Everything becomes more intense; from the cooking for family and social gatherings, finding that 'right gift', financial strains, music and lights, to the overwhelming crowds, and then cleaning up when it is all over; the holidays can feel daunting to anyone. However, when you are already struggling with anxiety, emotions become harder to regulate, and anxiety symptoms can become intensified.

Key Symptoms and Warning Signs that you may be suffering from Anxiety.

• A persistent sense of worry, apprehension, or dread
• Feeling fearful, paranoid and tense
• Feeling faint, dizzy or light-headed
• Increased heartbeat or palpitations

For Missouri adults you suffer from chronic stress, worry and anxiety, this time of year can feel overwhelming and exhausting. Fortunately, there are ways that you can manage Christmas stress and any mental health pressures you may face during the holiday season.

 How to reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Depression during the holidays:

•  Avoid unhelpful social comparisons. (Keeping up with the Joneses, isn't healthy. Instead, try to find things you have done well and compliment yourself on your own accomplishments. )
• Have realistic expectations about family gatherings. (You can't control other people, but you can control how you choose to feel about certain social situations. The holidays can add pressure to already strained family relationships; so setting the correct expectations will help to avoid disappointment.)
• Participate in your Local Community (The holiday season can feel like an increase in isolation for some individuals, especially those overcoming grief and loss. Loneliness can add to the already overwhelming sense of anxiety and depression. Participating in the community can offer a sense of purpose and reduce some of the burden that isolation creates.)
• Take a break. (If you begin to feel you stress levels rising, take a break. Going for a walk can really help to ease the tensions often accompanied with the holidays.)

While this season may lead to increased stress, anxiety and depression, it's also a great time for growth and healing. If you or someone you know is looking for help with depression, there is hope. Learn more by calling Dr. Jeffrey Vanderkooi at 636-778-9415 or Nurse Practitioner, Dana Vanderkooi at 636-778-9427.

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