Blue Christmas: Battling Holiday Depression Amanda Hoffer | Staff
Writer
As the holiday season approaches, many people are starting to revel in the joy
of the season. But for the millions of people with depression, this is the
most dangerous time of year. Starting with the December holiday season and
ending with Valentine's Day, the three holidays with the highest suicide rates
of any other time of the year are in full swing. For the 19 million Americans
diagnosed with depression each year, the holidays can be quite bleak.
Signs of depression are:
Persistent sad, anxious or empty mood
Sleeping too much or too little, middle of the night, or early morning waking
Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
Restlessness, irritability
Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as chronic
pain or digestive disorders)
Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
Please, if you are depressed or know someone who is, get help. It is
treatable. No one should have to suffer. If you have a friend who is
depressed, getting help for them is the best way to help. Depression is a
serious condition and if you look out there today, there is no stigma. It can
happen to anyone. Get help. Here is a list of sites to visit, including a self-
diagnostic test.
Here's hoping that you can find a way to have a happy holiday season.
What do you think?
Leave your comments below.
Comments:
By clicking on "Submit," you assert that you are who you represent to be and your
comments abide by section 20 of Radford's Student Handbook (for RU students), and by the Virginia State and Federal laws including but not limited to libel, copyright law, and invasion of privacy. The comments posted on this site are not necessarily representative of the views of Radford University, its
administration, faculty, staff or all of its students. For more information, read our policy on feedback fora.
Comments:
I wouldn't rely on the Onion for hard facts. Or at least I would hope you don't.
Comments:
so i'll bet you're on the phone with the suicide hotline right now, huh?
Comments:
according to the Onion, depression only affects losers...
Comments:
Heard that....New Years is bad too....
Name: Wintermute Comments:
Valentines Day is the worst for me. If the fact that I don't have a GF isn't bad enough, the fact that corporate America likes to ram it down my throat that I must have someone. Ughh...
