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'Tis The Season For Stress & Depression

Economic worries may add to stress this year

November 15, 2008

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It may not be normal to feel down at the holidays, but many people do. This year, with its abundant share of economic worries, there could be more stress than usual, according to the head of the Department of Psychiatry at Temple University's School of Medicine, Dr. David Baron.

The holidays can do a number on a person for a number of reasons, and right at the top of the list of culprits are dollars and daylight, or better put, lack of them.

"Debt is a potential major issue, but usually doesn't hit until the credit card bills come later on," said Baron. "That's why it's so important to spend within a budget and consider less expensive or personal gifts instead."

For starters, Baron says the best way to deal with all the stress is to identify it.

If money is an issue, he recommends you sit down and work out a strategy before the holidays. If you're hosting a party, don't expect the perfect affair. After all, stress is anticipating a negative outcome, so be realistic going into situations to reduce the stress level.

Look for early signs of stress, like irritability, inability to relax or sleep, loss of appetite or feeling overwhelmed. Such signs could also signal the onset of Seasonal Affective Disorder, (SAD) more commonly known as winter depression.

"As the days get shorter and shorter, seasonal affective disorder presents at this time of year," Baron said. "Less daylight can be a big mood-changer for folks sensitive to the effects of less sunlight exposure, who suddenly might feel the winter blues coming on."

The disorder makes people with normal mental health for most of the year start to feel depressed or lethargic, Baron says, because of the loss of light. Couple that with a loss of income and people might not be able to afford treatment for SAD, which could include light therapy.

That creates more stress, as people feeling blue start to worry about how to pay for presents and party gifts.

Since any stress can trigger an episode, Baron suggests you speak with your doctor so you enjoy the holidays instead of wishing they were over.

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