Depression or seasonal affective disorder? How people in Maine can get help
Experts say it's important to seek help and talk to someone you trust
Between pre- and post-holiday stress and the changing seasons, this time of year can be tough for many people, especially those with anxiety or depression. According to the American Psychiatric Association, here are seven ways to deal with holiday stress. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation Prevent Burnout — It's OK to say no Take a break Get some fresh air and sunlight If you're in therapy, stay in therapy to deal with grief and loss Honor and celebrate the individuals involved Avoid financial stress, such as wasting gifts Mark Kaplan, medical director at Dr. As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, he says, it's becoming very real. SAD is a type of depression characterized by a recurrent seasonal pattern, with symptoms lasting about a week. Kaplan said it takes four to five months out of the year. Signs and symptoms of SAD include those related to depression and symptoms specific to the disorder that differ between winter and summer SAD. Kaplan says SAD occurs much more frequently in women than men and occurs more often in the winter, but he describes winter-type SAD as the “holiday blues,” or those triggered by stress at certain times of the year. It should not be confused with feelings of sadness or anxiety. Because the depression associated with SAD is related to changes in daylight hours rather than the calendar, stress associated with predictable seasonal changes such as holidays, work and school schedules, and family visits is not the same as SAD. . Symptoms of depression include: Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood Almost every day for at least two weeks Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness For winter SAD, additional symptoms include hypersomnia (hypersomnia) Social withdrawal (feeling like you're 'hibernating') Overeating, especially carbohydrate cravings that lead to weight gain (Sleepiness) If you need help, talk to people you trust in your life and ask for help It's always okay, Kaplan says. Process your thoughts and feelings. Lean on each other and ask for help when you're ready. He said you can also join support groups or connect with online communities that provide a safe space, in addition to talking to people who care about you and who won't judge you. He said people also need to be open to advice. He said it was important to feel connected and understood. If you believe you need professional assistance, please call PromiseLine for General Services at 1-800-434-3000. If you or someone you know may be in crisis, please call 1-888-568-1112. We are available 24/7.
Between pre- and post-holiday stress and the changing seasons, this time of year can be a difficult time for many people, especially those with anxiety or depression.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, here are seven ways to deal with holiday stress.
- practice mindfulness and meditation
- Prevent burnout – It’s okay to say no
- Rest
- Get some fresh air and sunlight
- If you are receiving treatment, please continue treatment.
- Honoring and celebrating individuals associated with grief and loss
- Avoid financial stress such as wasting gifts
Dr. Mark Kaplan, Sweetersays seasonal affective disorder is a very real thing, especially here in Maine, as the weather gets colder and the days get shorter.
SAD is a type of depression characterized by a recurrent seasonal pattern, with symptoms lasting about four to five months out of the year, Kaplan said. Signs and symptoms of SAD include symptoms related to depression and symptoms specific to the disorder that differ between winter and summer SAD.
Kaplan said SAD occurs much more frequently in women than men and occurs more often in the winter, but the summer pattern of SAD is also a concern.
He said winter SAD should not be confused with “holiday blues,” or feelings of sadness or anxiety caused by stress at certain times of the year. Because the depression associated with SAD is related to changes in daylight hours rather than the calendar, stress associated with predictable seasonal changes such as holidays, work and school schedules, and family visits is not the same as SAD. .
Symptoms of depression include, but are not limited to:
- Feeling sad, anxious, or “empty” for at least 2 weeks, almost every day
- feeling of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
If you have winter SAD, you may experience additional symptoms, including:
- Sleeping too much (hypersomnia)
- Overeating, especially carbohydrate cravings, can lead to weight gain
- Social withdrawal (feeling like “hibernating”)
Kaplan says if you need help, it's always okay to talk to someone you trust in your life to help you process your thoughts and feelings. Lean on each other and ask for help when you're ready. She said you can also join support groups or connect with online communities that provide a safe space.
He also said that in addition to talking to people who care about you and don't judge you, you need to be open to their advice. He said it's important to feel connected and understood.
If you feel you need professional assistance, please call us at the number below. promise line To access general services, call 1-800-434-3000. If you or someone you know may be in crisis, please call 1-888-568-1112. We are available 24/7.
