Before 2020, this “usual” scenario existed: Post-Thanksgiving, holiday decorations and lights have been placed, almost every week from now until the New Year contains holiday gatherings and New Year’s eve plans have already been solidified. This was before 2020. The pandemic has changed so many “usuals” in our lives and most certainly, the festive holiday vacations, events and gatherings have for a large part, been shelved or curtailed significantly.
After January 1, with the holiday festivities in the rear mirror, but the cold and dark months ahead of us, this becomes a time period when many people suffer from depression. The term “Seasonal Affective Disorder” (“SAD”) is used to describe the winter blues. Once again, this does not tend to occur as much in December because of the joy felt in being part of holiday celebrations.
With this holiday season being like no other, we all need to be on the lookout for an early SAD season. Individually, assess how your own mood is doing. A very helpful self-assessment test is the Zung Depression Scale. (https://psychology-tools.com/test/zung-depression-scale).
There is a difference between mild, situational depression vs. a profound clinical depression that requires evaluation and treatment. Situational sadness is something we all can relate to, at least to some extent, as part of the response to the pandemic. However, a full blown depressive state needs to be addressed with a professional.
Sorry for the bummer of an entry during holiday time, but I believe it is important for people suffering from clinical depression and/or uncontrolled anxiety to seek help. Please feel free to reach out to me at: robertposnermd@spdiet.com if I can be of help.
