The Holiday Blues and You

Halloween is the introduction of the holidays to come. Thanksgiving unfolds as the first chapter of what we hope of another glorious holiday tale. Yet, for many the story of the holidays quickly turns another novel about fighting the blues. While it might seem to be a sordid saga of mystery and suspense, it instead a novel ripped from the trials and tribulations and man against himself and nature. In fact it is due to environment and our own biology that we remain susceptible to the onslaught of depression during what is supposed to be a festive time. When we look at the causes of depression more closely, we see how venerable to the illness we are during the holiday season.

First we look at a form of depression called Season Affective Disorder. It is not coincidental that its initials from the acronym SAD. The illness is tied to the changes in seasonal shifting of direct daylight. In the fall and winter months there is less direct daylight daily, then in spring and summer. Studies performed at Cedars-Sinai our biology functions shift during with these changes in direct sunlight availability. These changes result in the fluctuation of a person’s mood. They suggest the production of the sleep related hormone melatonin increases when direct daylight decreases. Thus, a person is more prone to what we call moodiness and sensitivity. While SAD is considered to be more prevalent in woman, men are indeed at risk with the disorder.

A pharmaceutical company once known as Lederle, currently owned by Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories as earlier as the late 1970’s was fully aware of the effect of shifting light patterns on a person’s mood. Supervisors were informed on the risk and the need for awareness of personality changes in employees that opted to switch from a daytime shift to an overnight shift. One such employee a friend of mine I will refer to as Diego will a popular will liked affable man, who opted to go overnight due to the increase in pay. In a relative short period of time became a short fused dark moody malcontent. If not for Lederle’s progressive consciousness this man probably would have been fired or worse. His change in personality affected his demeanor at work along with his daily life. In a sit down with his supervisor Diego was flat out told if he did not switch back to days, he was on course to losing his job. This is no different than people who are prone to bouts of depression incited by SAD. There is consideration the most people do experience some form a mood change due to the shifting light patterns of the seasons.

Secondly, our choices of food and drink used to celebrate holidays greatly contribute to a person’s susceptibility to depression. We begin at Halloween where sweets and candy are the main fare. The increased intake of sugar is the start of creating a biological imbalance. The body uses B vitamins to breakdown glucose for energy. Increased ingestion of sugar depletes these vitamins which also serve in serotonin production and as natural defenses against body chemicals that can lead to depression and even psychosis. Alcohol, nicotine and caffeine also served to breakdown our natural biological protections for these same elements. In adults the amounts ingested of each of these four products increases progressively right up to the New Year celebrations. That includes non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.

The consequences of our traditional celebrations are laid bare in headlines every holiday season. It is documented as not just a time to party and have fun; it is rife with all the trappings of the stress and pressures that open the doors to let depression seep into your life.

The keys to being able to enjoy the holidays and not fall victim to its effects is moderation and self-awareness. Know when to say no. Realize that just one more maybe one too many. If you have a good healthcare plan take advantage and learn what your personal tolerances are. Take notice when people point out they detect a difference in your mood. Better yet, take advantage of a resource free to everyone. Go to www.mentalhealthscreening.com. Mental health affects physical health. Give yourself every opportunity to enjoy the holidays as best you can and beat the blues.