What are the symptoms of depression?

You may have depression if feelings of sadness or emptiness don’t go away within a couple of weeks. Other emotional symptoms include:

• Extreme irritability over seemingly minor things
• Anxiety and restlessness
• Trouble with anger management
• Loss of interest in activities,
• Fixation on the past or on things that have gone wrong
• Thoughts of death or suicide.

Physical symptoms include:

• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Debilitating fatigue
• Increased or decreased appetite
• Weight gain or loss
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Low self-esteem and guilt, poor concentration, and frequent absence from school in children and adolescents
• Unexplained memory loss, sleep problems, or withdrawal could be signs of depression or Alzheimer’s disease in older adults.

What is it about the holidays that triggers depression?

Holidays can be difficult for a couple of different reasons. First, if you have had a loss, the first holiday, in particular, can be difficult. Like so much else, this year has its own oddities. We are all told, correctly, to keep celebrations down to only people in our homes. So, if you cannot see loved ones and you can’t celebrate the holiday as you usually do surrounded by those you love, it can be very difficult. For some people, the anticipation of a holiday and the excitement of getting ready results in a letdown when it’s over, especially when the holiday itself doesn’t measure up to expectations. Finally, there is the letdown after the holiday when people leave. You don’t have something to point toward so you feel demoralized or depressed.

If you are depressed, be sure you get the help you need. Call us, and attend one of our no-cost, 60-minute counselling sessions. Our Thrive Walk-in Counselling service offers phone, zoom, and limited face to face sessions.