Holiday Depression Is A Very Real Thing

Kim Codding of the Gallatin Mental Health Center visited to make us all aware that the 'Holiday Blues' or 'Holiday Depression' is a very real thing and steps can be taken to minimize it's effect on your life. The first being acknowledge that it is a very real condition.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or winter depression can have devastating affect on ones life including the over consumption of alcohol or the use of drugs. A few of the warning signs are:

• Feeling sad or "empty"
• Feeling hopeless, irritable, anxious, or guilty
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Feeling very tired
• Not being able to concentrate or remember details
• Not being able to sleep, or sleeping too much
• Overeating, or not wanting to eat at all
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems.

If you think a loved one may be depressed one of the easiest things to do is to simply ask them, 'Are you depressed?' If talking about doesn't help, call the Gallatin Mental Health Center at 556-6500 or click the link below.