Stress and the holidays

Depression and the holidays            

For most people, the holidays are a time of joy and celebration. Colorful autumn displays, a turkey created from the outline of a child’s hand, Christmas music blaring from overhead speakers in department stores, families sharing a meal. But for some—even those with family and friends around them—the holidays can bring on—or worsen—anxiety and depression.

“If you are feeling overwhelmed reach out to family, a co-worker or a professional,” said Laura Baatz, occupational nurse at Sanford Lab. “There are many resources, including employee assistance programs, like the one at Sanford Lab.” (More resources are listed below).

There are several factors that can bring on holiday anxiety and depression, including increased financial burden due to travel and the cost of gifts. Parties, baking, shopping and entertaining also make it difficult to find balance when there are still everyday responsibilities to take care of. 

Several organizations offer tips to help prevent and cope with holiday stress and depression. The most important, is to seek professional help if a person feels overwhelmed. And to reach out to those who may be alone.

Michele Clodfelder (MS/LBC-MH) of Black Hills Psychology, said it’s OK to acknowledge if a person seems to be depressed but doesn’t want to talk about it. 

“When a person is in the midst of depression, they don’t realize they are depressed,” Clodfelder said. “So, it’s OK to say to them, ‘You seem different from last year. Is there something bothering you?’ It can help them gain insight into what’s happening to them.”

And she agrees with the Mayo Clinic’s assessment of what to do if you recognize you are feeling sad or anxious. 

“Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores,” the Mayo Clinic says on its website.” If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.”

Tips from the Mayo Clinic to prevent holiday stress and depression

When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past. The Mayo Clinic recommends taking steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. “Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands, so you can combat them before they lead to a meltdown. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you can find peace and joy during the holidays.”

1. Acknowledge your feelings
2. Reach out
3. Be realistic
4. Set aside differences
5. Stick to a budget 
6. Plan ahead
7. Learn to say no
8. Don't abandon healthy habits
9. Take a breather 
10. Seek professional help if you need it
11. Take control of the holidays

See the full article here. 

Additional resources

If you ever start to feel overwhelmed, remember that help is available. Talk to a friend, coworker or family member you trust. Other resources are listed here: 

• Employees of Sanford Underground Research Facility can access information about the Employee Assistance Program through DocuShare.
• The Helpline Center offers 24-hour support through its 2-1-1 hotline. It has offices in Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Brookings.
• The Crisis Text Line offers free crisis counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Text HOME to 741714. 
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.