Mental Health News

As we come up on the holiday season many experts are warning people about the possibility of depression and anxiety resulting from a variety of areas.  The holidays hit at the same time every year, but not everyone feels the same about the holidays.

There is quite a lot of build-up to the holiday season, especially New Year’s Eve, when most Americans feel that this is the night they have to party.  Not everyone has someone to party with on New Year’s Eve, or they may not even feel like partying.  This can lead to sadness or a feeling that something is wrong with you.

Director of Pastoral Care and Social Services at Lima, Ohio Memorial Health Systems, Dottie Kaiser recommends that people without plans for the big yearly party just enjoy the time by yourself.  There is a lot of external pressure to have someone to be with for the holidays or someplace to go.  However, you can easily have a nice comfortable evening with yourself.  Snuggle up with a good book and some hot cocoa.  Watch the alcoholic consumption because mixing beer with a bad mood can lead to major depression over the holidays.

Another part of the holiday season usually involves setting unrealistic or vague New Year Resolutions which can also lead to anxiety and depression because of the let down in not fulfilling your resolutions.  Experts recommend setting achievable, specific and realistic goals for the New Year so you don’t get depressed trying to achieve the impossible.