Holiday Depression

Holiday Depression graphic

December 26, 2006
DENVER—

The holidays are usually a happy time for people.  However, for some, they bring out severe depression.

Fox 31's Steve Kelley spoke with therapist Tim Bender about the causes of holiday depression, and how one can cope with it.

Watch the interview by clicking on the video thumbnail on the right side of this page.


Common Causes of Holiday Depression:

  • The let-down of everything being 'over."  Nothing left to plan for, or look forward to.
  • Taking down holiday decorations, putting things away, saying 'goodbye' to guests and relatives.
  • Impeding credit card bills
  • Evaluating life and focusing on what we don't have, have versus what we DO have.
  • General pessimism about life, especially for those who may not have a large support system of friends and family.
  • The let-down of everything being 'over."  Nothing left to plan for, or look forward to.
  • Taking down holiday decorations, putting things away, saying 'goodbye' to guests and relatives.
  • Impeding credit card bills
  • Evaluating life and focusing on what we don't have, have versus what we DO have.
  • General pessimism about life, especially for those who may not have a large support system of friends and family.



How to Cope:

  • Identify what is, and what is not working in one's life
  • Prioritize which personal issues need to be addressed first.
  • Build a support system, or find resources to help battle your depression: both professional and personal
  • Moderation: don't think you can solve everything immediately. One step at a time, one day at a time.


Tim Bender, MSW can be reached at 303-898-5593