How to Diagnose Holiday Depression

While a lot of people think of the holidays as a time to celebrate and be merry, for some people, the holidays bring on a overwhelming feeling of sadness and despair. It could stem from trying to find the money to pay for presents, the decreasing amount of daylight, increased responsibilities or lack of family. Knowing some common symptoms of holiday depression may help you or someone you know.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Check the person's mood. Are they extremely sad or anxious? One of the most common symptoms of depression are a change in the person's demeanor. If a once happy-go-lucky person has seemed down in the dumps for an extended period of time, this may be a signal of depression.

2. Sleep patterns have changed. Depression sufferers often change how and when they sleep. Common problems are either not sleeping enough or sleeping much more than normal.

3. Change in appetite. Depression can cause a change in eating also. People tend to lose their appetite and eat less than normal or lose their desire to eat completely. They can also turn to food for comfort during depression and overeat.

4. Feeling that they are worthless. The most serious symptom of depression is a feeling of being worthless, of little value or a burden on others. Depressed individuals can have thoughts of suicide or of harming themselves.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have thoughts of suicide or of harming yourself or you know someone who does, you should immediately contact a doctor, call 911 or call a suicide help line.

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