IS IT THE HOLIDAY BLUES OR DEPRESSION?

By: Sandra Hoenig, M.D

Once again the holiday season is in full swing and it may appear that everyone is smiling and happy shopping and preparing for their friends and family. It may be that you are not experiencing these joyful feelings and it is starting to cause concern.

This time of year stress can be the result of holiday overload and culminate in sleepless nights, anxiety, over eating and drinking, and mood swings from highs to lows. These signs could be typical of holiday blues or the early signs of depression.  There is no doubt that this time of year is hectic and it is not unusual for individuals to experience mixed emotions, however it is important to recognize that depression is not the same as feeling sad or blue.

So how do you tell the difference between sadness and depression?

• With sadness, a person experiences the emotion for a finite period of time; e.g., a few weeks for a job loss or a few months for a family death.  Through this period of feeling blue the person can cope and function with daily activities.
• Depression lingers for weeks, months, and even years. A person may feel overwhelmed, helpless and has problems with their daily routine.  Other things include: lack of appetite, sleeping too much, no interest in activities they used to enjoy, diminished sexual desire, inability to concentrate, feelings of guilt, and decreased energy.

One thing to keep in mind is that the signs and symptoms of depression are sometimes similar to other conditions.  It can be confused with fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism or chronic fatigue.  Alcoholism and drug usage can mask the symptoms. Depression can be diagnosed with a thorough history and physical exam, including a blood test to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

If you are experiencing any of these feelings, talk to your family physician who knows you and your medical history.  Remember your physician is the first line of defense for determining your medical diagnosis and then suggesting the proper treatment.

For more information read this article from WebMD, which offers some great tips for coping with the holiday blues.

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