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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   Related Stories • The Pineapple Express has arrived in town 12/4/07   CONTACT THE HERALD Melanie Munk, Features Editor munk@heraldnet.com   Published: Tuesday, December 4, 2007 You can make the holiday season a little less blue Elizabeth Smoots Ahhh … the holidays. It's a time of celebrations, parties and get-togethers for many of us. But the holiday season can also be a stressor that triggers the blues. Continually trying to meet all the expectations or feel joyous when you're not can drag you down. So can the memories of loved ones who are no longer here. Other situations that can make it harder to enjoy the holidays include isolation, lost friendships, health problems, physical limitations or financial difficulties. We seem to become more aware of our losses during this emotion-packed time of the year. Observing those around you gathering with family and friends can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and depression. The feelings may occur at any age and are especially common in older people. But I'm happy to say, there are some things you can do if you're experiencing the holiday blues. Check out this list to see how many you're already utilizing: To combat symptoms of feeling blue: I stick to a regular schedule or routine. I try to minimize the amount of time that I spend alone or dwelling on sad circumstances or events. Instead, I invite family and friends over. I get out of the house to participate in a variety of activities. When necessary, I ask family and friends for help with transportation. I allow time in my schedule for activities that I enjoy or that are meaningful to me. I exercise moderately for at least 30 minutes on most days. (If unaccustomed to exercise, I've first gotten my doctor's approval.) I keep in touch with family and friends in person, whenever possible, or by phone or mail. I limit alcohol consumption during the holidays since it likely will lower my spirits even further. I participate in volunteer work since I know that helping others is a great mood lifter. Local schools, churches and nonprofit organizations often have volunteer opportunities. To assist people you know who seem depressed: I invite them to go out with me or to go to get-togethers. I lend them a helping hand with shopping and holiday preparations. I encourage them to talk about their feelings. I try to understand why they feel the way they do. I let them know that there's nothing wrong with not feeling jolly; many people get the blues during the holidays. I bring up the topic of depression, if I suspect it. I try to encourage awareness that depression is an illness, and there's no reason to feel ashamed. Medical care for depression Most certainly, feelings of sadness or despair occur all too often during the holidays. But when these feelings worsen, become severe or last longer than two weeks, it's time to seek medical care. Your primary care doctor can ask questions to screen you or your loved ones for signs of depression or similar mood disorders. Common symptoms of depression include sadness, loss of interest or pleasure and frequent feelings of guilt, hopelessness, helplessness or worthlessness. Other clues include changes in appetite, weight or sleep, irritability or fatigue, trouble concentrating or thoughts of suicide or death. After making a diagnosis, your doctor can discuss the options for effective treatment with you. Are you bogged down with the holiday blues right now? If so, try to keep these important facts in mind: Depression is a potentially serious and very treatable medical condition. For more information: Foundation for Health in Aging, www.healthinaging.org. Contact Dr. Elizabeth Smoots, a board-certified family physician and fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, at doctor@practicalprevention.com. Her columns are not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Before adhering to any recommendations in this column consult your health care provider. © 2007 Elizabeth S. Smoots

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