With the days getting shorter and the air getting colder, we should keep an extra eye on the older adults in our care. We also know that many people experience depression at the holidays, including loneliness, financial pressures, the stress of too many commitments, or seasonal affective disorder (appropriately named "SAD").

Some of the negative side effects of the holiday blues include weight gain, headaches, mood swings, trouble concentrating, fatigue or excessive drinking. With winter in full swing, symptoms may persist beyond the holidays or may increase in severity. Some people experience post-holiday sadness after New Years Eve, due built-up expectations and disappointments from the previous year, along with stress and fatigue. Below is a diagram that shows all of the areas of the body that can be affected by stress.

Can the "holiday blues" be diagnosed?

Yes. A simple history and physical exam with a primary care provider is generally all that is needed to make a diagnosis. Giving a full history of symptoms can provide clues that can help determine if someone is experiencing the holiday blues from SAD or a more serious depressive disorder.

How can the "holiday blues" be treated?

Anyone suffering from holiday depression can benefit from a variety of lifestyle changes, including increased social support and reducing stress.

But most importantly, let's encourage older adults to acknowledge their feelings. If someone close to a person has recently died or can't be with them during the holidays, help them to realize that their feelings of sadness are normal. Let them know that it is OK to express their feelings -- they don't need to be happy just because it's the holiday season.

Below are some tips you can share with your patients, coworkers, family members or friends:

1. Pace yourself. Don't take on more responsibilities than you can handle.
2. Spread out your energy. Don't put all your energy into any one holiday - holiday cheer can be spread from one holiday event to the next!
3. Volunteer. The holidays are time to help others. 
4. Reconnect. Make time to contact a long lost friend or relative and spread some holiday cheer.
5. Track your spending. Overspending can lead to depression when the bills arrive after the holidays are over.
6. Laugh! Laughter is a great stress reducer and reliever, as well as a great energy increaser. I've always said, focus on the power of positive thinking.
7. Try aromatherapy (one of my personal favorites!) Can you bring some new scents into your environment? Use lavender for relaxation, orange for energy or mint for headaches.
8. Conduct or join a support group. Knowing that others share similar thoughts and experiences can help manage difficult feelings. Maybe you could facilitate a support group with patients or clients in your care?

How can CHA help?

As many of you know, I offer presentations on a variety of topics including "Stress, Depression & the Holidays" and "Positive Thinking: How it Affects Every Aspect of Our Lives". I would be happy to come to your location and speak to staff, older adults in the community or your patients in the new year. Please call me at 617-835-1422 to set up a presentation!