Post-Holiday Blues or Depression?

People often experience a letdown after the holidays. For some, this is because their time with family and friends was so special that January brings less joy and fewer gatherings. For others, the holidays are challenging and stressful due to family estrangement or difficult relationships, and losses are felt more strongly. For many, there’s a combination of joy and stress, and January does not provide relief. 

If you feel more fatigued, less engaged in life, and are experiencing an overall sense of sadness, you might worry that you’re depressed. If those symptoms last 2 or more weeks, It’s important to take them seriously. It’s estimated that 10 million Americans experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is recurrent depression most commonly seen during the winter months in the U.S. Those with SAD often notice that their symptoms remit in the Spring. If you have SAD, a combination of light therapy and counseling are often most helpful. Others, add Vitamin D supplements and antidepressants to alleviate symptoms. 

If you’re curious whether you are experiencing a brief course of the post-holiday blues or something more serious, you can assess your symptoms for free via the PHQ-9. The results are not an official diagnosis, but they offer insight into whether or not you should take additional steps. If your score is in the 5-14 range, you are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms that are likely having a negative impact on your life experience. Give our office a call to discuss how we might assist you. If you score 15+, I highly recommend you contact us and schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or myself, so that we can assess your symptoms and develop a plan to improve your overall well being.