Email 
Bookmark 
Print Holiday Blues
by Lynette J. HoyEditor's Pick: Are you at the end of your rope?
This is supposed to be a season of joy and happiness, but I don't feel it. Is it common to get depressed over the holidays? What can I do about it?
Many people suffer from bouts of depression or the blues at different times during the year. During the holiday season people encounter memories of loved ones they have lost through death or divorce or friends who have moved away. People experience stress and difficult family reunions over the holidays. Depression is a growing problem. In fact, psychologists have said that we live in an "age of depression".
There are many causes for this mood disorder. Reasons for depression range from grief, divorce, major changes, lack of sunlight or physical exercise, a general disappointment with life or friends, low self-worth, relationships,spiritual or anger problems, false beliefs about life and God, trauma from the past, deficiency of neurological chemicals and more.
What are some of the symptoms of depression?
Check to see if you have been experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Loss of appetite. Weight gain or loss.
- Depressed affect. Children & Adolescents: cranky, irritable, angry/explosive outbursts.
- Diminished interest in or enjoyment of activities.
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation.
- Sleeplessness or hypersomnia.
- Lack of energy.
- Poor concentration and indecisiveness.
- Social withdrawal.
- Suicidal thoughts and/or gestures.
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, excessive or inappropriate guilt.
- Low self-esteem.
- Unresolved grief issues.
- Hallucinations or delusions.
If you have 3 or more of the above symptoms which have lasted for over 2 weeks, you should seek medical help or professional counseling. If you have had suicidal thoughts, please seek counseling by looking for a professional in this directory: www.aacc.net
How do you move beyond depression?
Usually people who are feeling depressed are not doing what would help them feel better.
- Talking about your feelings with someone is very beneficial. Exploring with someone, especially a counselor, what is underlying your feelings can help you begin to problem-solve.
- Seeing your doctor for a physical exam and telling him/her about your depression can lead to further treatment for physiological causes. You may need to consider taking an anti-depressant.
- Regular exercise and proper diet, spending time with family and friends and reaching out to others is very helpful. Seeking a relationship with God and praying to Him brings hope and encouragement when you are feeling down-hearted.
If you or someone you know are trying these activities and still stuck in depression, it is wise to seek out professional Christian counseling at the www.aacc.net online directory.
Is there a spiritual dimension to depression?
Is there a spiritual dimension to depression that gets overlooked when we rush into taking medication? In other words, in our effort to "hurry up and feel good" do we possibly miss out on important lessons that God might want to teach us?
There most certainly is always a spiritual dimension to depression. In the Bible, David writes in Psalms 42:5-6 5
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. NIV
Most people who walk in my office feeling depressed are spiritually hungry. Many have a general sense of distance from or disappointment with God. They struggle with periods of doubt about God's love for them and begin to question whether He will help them through their problems. Some people express anger towards God wondering, "how a good God can allow suffering?" Or they question whether God exists. This spiritual vacuum can actually be the basis for some of the hopelessness and despair they feel. Read more about Why God Allows Suffering.
Perspective and beliefs about God and who He is changes one's feelings and perspective on life. When people know that there is a God of the universe who loves them and has a plan for their lives... they begin to feel more hopeful and experience the comfort and peace they need to work through any trial or disappointing circumstance. They begin to pray and read the Bible which changes the false beliefs underlying their depression. Certainly, God wants us to learn lessons during this troublesome time. Maybe the most important lesson is how to discover a personal relationship with God and believe in Him.
Depression is a complex disorder.
Since human beings are very complex it is necessary to address all the underlying causes of depression such as: low self-esteem, losses, physical pain, relationship or financial issues, guilt, shame, trauma, dysfunctional family issues, along with the spiritual and physiological reasons.
Medication can give people more motivation and energy to move through a depressive period in their life but it will not be a cure-all for depression. One must take steps to fight depression on all fronts: spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally and relationally.
You can know peace and hope tonight.
There is a line in an old hymn that says "Let there be peace in the world and let it begin with me." Whether that means peace on a worldwide scale or peace in your own heart, it can begin with you right now. John 3:16 tells us that God loves the world so much that He sent Jesus, His only Son, to die for us so that everyone who believes in Him can have everlasting life.
You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Praying is simply talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. Here's a suggested prayer:
Lord, I need you now more than ever. I want your peace of mind. In the midst of my broken heart and my pain, I turn to you. Jesus, I ask you to forgive my sins and to give me your peace and comfort. I open the door of my life and put my trust in you.
If you sincerely expressed that prayer to God, you can know that you have a personal relationship with Him. He will be your comfort in these troubled times. God promises us "peace that passes understanding" in other words peace in a world that doesn't make sense. You can know peace and hope even while the world is in turmoil. God does not change. Ever.
