Depression can be difficult to deal with any time of year, but it can be especially troubling during the holidays. During a time when the songs and movies tell us to be cheerful and delight in the season, our depression can make us feel like there’s something very wrong with us, which often makes the depression even worse.

Depression at the holidays can have multiple reasons ranging from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) to finances and family. Sorting out the reasons for depression can be difficult, especially when most of us have more than one cause of depression. A counselor can be extremely helpful in determining the source of the depression and finding ways of treating it. Occasionally, medication may be needed for severe depression. A psychiatrist or medical doctor can help you find the right prescription if that becomes necessary.

Some of the most common reasons for feeling depressed around the holidays are SAD, financial stress, family stress, and comparison stress. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects about 5% of the population in the United States and it tends to last about 40% of the year¹. It’s more common in higher latitudes where the sun shines less during the winter months and tends to affect more women than men¹. SAD is tied to sunlight and typically lessens in the months with greater sunlight exposure, making it cyclical. SAD may be difficult to distinguish from other types of holiday depression, so consulting with a counselor can help you decide if you need to see a medical doctor for treatment.

Finances are easily one of the biggest stressors in life, and it’s THE biggest for many of us. During the holidays, financial pressures become magnified. If you struggle to pay basic bills in April or July, it’s much worse when you’re trying to pay basic bills in December AND buying presents! While there’s no pill to quickly alleviate financial stress, talking with a counselor can help you figure out why it’s stressing you. Are you trying to “keep up” with someone else? Trying to impress someone? Or are you trying to afford children who demand the latest and greatest? Or perhaps are you dealing with failing health and the realization that you won’t be able to retire? A counselor can help you wrestle the underlying problems and can give suggestions for other resources like financial advisors or community help.

While the holidays are promoted as “shop-til-you-drop” and then some, if finances are making things difficult there are always less expensive options like DIY crafts, thrifting, and just plain spending time with those you love. If affording the big meals is difficult, consider making them potluck or joining community dinners.

Another stressor at the holidays is family. Spending time with people you only see a couple of times a year, playing nice with picky or overly-sensitive relatives, facing family ridicule for your life choices… they’re all extremely stressful. A counselor can help you prepare for these situations by teaching you relationship tools and survival techniques. A counselor can also help you develop and maintain healthy boundaries and teach you how to reveal major changes and developments in a less stressful way.

Holiday depression can seem daunting, but with help it can be navigated.