Chicago, IL-- It’s December and it’s Saturday morning, do you feel energized and ready to start the day? Do you feel nostalgic and lonely -- and just can’t get motivated? Or are you overwhelmed with despair and feel like staying under the covers all day?

While the holiday season is supposed to be a time of joy, celebration and good will – for many people, it’s a time for feelings of sadness, loneliness and isolation. Anyone is susceptible to holiday depression, regardless of age, gender or background. And there are many reasons for depression during the holiday season. For many people, holiday activities are added to all of their other responsibilities that may include both work and family.

Holidays are also referred to as a time to be with family. However, many individuals don’t live within what was once considered a "traditional" family setting. Divorce, death, separation, remarriage can cause people to feel a real disconnect with the holiday season. And additional stress, fatigue, spending, unrealistic expectations and pressure can lead to a season that’s not too merry.

If you suspect that you may be depressed or have already been diagnosed with depression, it may be a real struggle to keep your life on track -- not only during the holidays but especially during the winter when there are much fewer hours of daylight.

• Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
• Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns
• Worry, anger, irritability or anxiety
• Loss of energy, lethargy
• Feelings of guilt or hopelessness
• Inability to take pleasure in former interests
• Excessive consumption of alcohol or use of chemical substances
• Thoughts of death or suicide

If you experience these symptoms for more than two weeks or if any of these symptoms interfere with work or family activities, contact your doctor.

• Keep your expectations manageable by setting realistic goals. One person can only do so much. Don’t put your entire focus on one or two days – spread out your activities and lessen the stress! Set limits on your time, energy and spending!
• Focus on the present. Don’t dwell on "yesterday" – try and look toward the future while keeping your attention on the present. Don’t expect to feel completely happy, grateful and joyful throughout the holidays. There may be those inevitable moments of fatigue, anxiety or depression – try not to let them throw you completely off course.
• Make the holiday your own. Create a new tradition that has personal meaning to YOU. Take part in a "Buy Nothing Day" or celebrate the winter solstice.
• Watch what you eat. If you struggle with depression during the holidays, say "no" to excessively rich foods and alcohol. Get up and walk away from the table. Too much sugar and caffeine can interfere with normal moods and contribute to emotional imbalance.
• Take time to exercise. If it’s too cold outside for brisk walk – walk through the mall before the stores open. Exercise can help lift your mood.
• Relax! Take time for yourself. Holidays can mean over-stimulation, which can trigger depressive or manic symptoms.

For more information on depression or bipolar disorder, contact the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance at 800-826-3632 or log on to www.DBSAlliance.org.

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the leading national, patient-directed organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses. The organization seeks to create an environment of understanding about the impact and management of these life-threatening illnesses by providing effective, up-to-date, scientifically-based tools and information. DBSA supports research to promote effective, tolerable treatment and an eventual cure; and works to ensure that people living with mood disorders are treated equitably.

Assisted by a 65-member Scientific Advisory Board, comprised of the leading researchers and clinicians in the field of mood disorders, DBSA has more than 1,000 peer-run support groups. Nearly 2.5 million people request and receive information and assistance each year. DBSA’s mission is to improve the lives of people living with mood disorders.

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