Holiday cheer and season bringing you down?

Holiday stress and seasonal affective disorder can affect everyone

The festive energy in the air, the colorful lights on houses, and the hustle and bustle of the season is an atmosphere straight out of a Hallmark movie. Despite the seasonal feeling, statistics show this time of year leaves many people stressed and depressed.

According to the American Psychological Association, 89% of adults have stress over the holidays. This busy time of year can bring a unique kind of challenge. The long to-do list, financial burden of gift buying, and overall full schedule can leave people feeling more anxious than cheerful.

The Mayo Clinic offers tips to help you overcome feeling blue during the holidays:

• Acknowledge your feelings and allow yourself to feel each mood.
• Reach out to connect with others who may bring you joy.
• Be realistic about what the holidays look like for you this year.
• Set aside differences with family members and avoid talking about stressful topics.
• Create a budget you can realistically afford to spend.
• Plan ahead by scheduling holiday errands and tasks on specific days.
• Say no to things when you feel overwhelmed.
• Keep up healthy habits by getting enough sleep, eating right, and exercising.
• Give yourself a break and spend at least 15 minutes alone without distractions.
• If you feel constant sadness, depression, and anxiety, seek help from a medical professional.

Additionally, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) becomes more common when there is less daylight during the fall and winter months.

The American Psychological Association estimates approximately 5% of adults in the United States suffer from this disorder; people living far from the equator, women, and younger adults are the most commonly diagnosed.

SAD is more than having a bad day or feeling down in the dumps. According to the Mayo Clinic, “symptoms may include feeling sad, angry, or easily irritable most of the day nearly every day; lack of interest in activities once enjoyed; difficulty concentrating; persistent tiredness; lack of energy; and, in some cases, feeling that life isn’t worth living or having suicidal thoughts.”

As the season continues, some people may experience continual tiredness and weight gain. While it may seem dark, there is light at the end of the SAD tunnel.

The Mayo Clinic recommends people who struggle with SAD follow these tips:

Understanding the potential of stress, anxiety, and illness and proactively addressing it can remove risk and allow employees to focus on the mission.