why I'm stuck in the same old rut and can't seem to escape it."
depression symptoms for weeks or months. If you're worried or not sure how to handle holiday depression, rather call us. Experts say the season can make people feel out of control. We may feel at the mercy of our relatives, steamrolled by family tradition. But you do have a say and the key to surviving the holidays is to take some control instead of letting them control you. The festive season can offer plenty of reasons to be stressed out and our tendency to compare our families with their idealised versions is a recipe for disaster. Most of us have less than perfect holiday gatherings. We have family tension, a drunk uncle, and dry turkey too. So if you are feeling a tad less than festive coming up to the holidays, don't try deny your feelings. There's nothing wrong or odd about feeling a bit down during the holidays. So this holiday season, don't unthinkingly do things the same way just because that's how you always do them. Make a choice, take a stand, and do something
Let's face it, many of us simply don't like certain members of our family. The drunk uncle who makes lewd jokes, the tactless aunt who blithely asks whether you're still on your medication… The festive season can put you in the same room with relatives you avoid the rest of the year. And people struggling with depression may face stigma, too. "Some relatives just don't get it", says 42-year-old Depression sufferer Mpumi. "My family seriously still doesn't believe I'm depressed. They don't understand that this is a horrible time of year for me, I have too much time to think, reflect and wallow. They think I'm lazy. It can really hurt." Balancing the demands of shopping, gift wrapping, family obligations, visitors and financial expenses may leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed. You may develop stress responses like headaches, you may drink
excessively or over-eat, or you may develop insomnia.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) warns that signs of depression or serious stress should not be written off as mere holiday blues in the hope that they'll disappear in January.
It can be dangerous to ignore
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