With cold weather now upon us and the hustle and bustle of the holidays here, it is only natural for some people to feel a bit overwhelmed. Stress, anxiety and even depression can often take over this time of year.
When you combine all the factors — the shorter days, financial concerns, loneliness, time pressures, family problems and setting expectations too high — it can lead to what many people term as the winter or holiday blues. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year, can also result in depression and feeling “blue” during the winter months. Typically, symptoms of SAD start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody.
When I have a patient come to me who says they feel stressed or tired, I always ask them what might be causing this condition. There are some simple steps that can be taken:
• Keeping expectations manageable and setting realistic goals
• Doing something for someone else such as volunteering at a shelter or wrapping an elderly person’s holiday gifts
• Enjoying activities that are free
• Spending time with supportive and caring people
• Saving time for yourself
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Getting outside, even for just a few minutes, to enjoy the fresh air and sunlight
• Thinking about or planning a summer trip
I always tell my patients that it is normal to feel a little bit of stress at certain times. However, when someone feels overwhelmed for an extended period of time, help should be sought. Chronic stress may be a trigger for certain anxiety disorders and other illnesses. Symptoms of depression include loss of enjoyment in daily activities, sleep disruption, loss of appetite, feeling sad or empty, guilt, and even thoughts of dying or suicide. Depression can also be a very serious health issue. Headaches, upset stomach, heart palpitations and nervousness are all symptoms of depression.
At Eskenazi Health Midtown Community Mental Health, there are an array of mental health services available, including severe mental illness and substance abuse treatment, 24-hour emergency services, a detoxification unit, a full continuum of care for people with chronic addiction, specialized home- and community-based programs for children and adolescents with serious emotional disorders, and a partial-hospitalization program. If I suspect a patient is dealing with depression, Eskenazi Health Midtown, or a qualified mental health center, provides a great resource.
This time of the year, it is important for people to take a step back and put things in perspective. It might be wise to cut back on holiday activities and not overextend yourself. In addition, post-holiday blues can also develop after the hustle and bustle of the holidays subsides and families return to their homes, leaving older relatives alone.
For more information about the services offered at Eskenazi Health Midtown, please call (317) 880-8491.
Nydia Nuñez-Estrada, M.D.
Family Medicine
Eskenazi Health Center
North Arlington