DECEMBER 2017 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 45
Keeping the holiday blahs under wraps
“’Tis the season to be jolly” — for
most. But for some, the holidays
that are supposed to be heartwarming
can spur heart-wrenching
experiences or memories.
Financial stress, lack of company
and support, loss of a loved one, or
another traumatic event can turn a
season of bliss into one of loneliness
and despair, according to Dr.
Ronald Brenner, chief of behavioral
health for Catholic Health Services
and director of psychiatry at
Mercy Medical Center in Rockville
Centre.
“Holiday-induced depression or
holiday blues can affect people
of all ages,” says Brenner. “The
holidays can act as a catalyst for
depression.”
Shopping on a strict budget, pressure
to be a perfect holiday host,
and holding a game face when
struggling with grief all produce
anxiety, he says. This can lead to
sleep deprivation, excessive drinking,
overeating and ultimately,
depression.
The good news? Holiday blues are
usually short-lived, says Brenner,
with a few practical strategies.
Know that this too shall pass. “The
hallmark of holiday depression is
that it goes away a day or two after
the holidays are over,” says Brenner.
“Major depressive disorder or clinical
depression usually lasts much
longer.” See the light at the end of
the tunnel.
Seek support. Realizing that others
experience similar despondence
can give perspective and ease sad
feelings. As the holidays can be a
painful reminder of a lost loved
one, seeking comfort with trusted
friends and family is important,
says Brenner. Local bereavement
support groups may also help, offering
strength and unexpected joy.
Reminisce. Nostalgia is normal
this time of year. Remembering
and missing loved ones who have
passed, realizing how fast time has
gone by... but it doesn’t have to be
all gloom and doom. Sharing treasured
memories with others may
improve one’s mood. Old photos or
videos might bring on a tear or two,
but also maybe a smile.
Create new memories. Starting
new holiday traditions may give
you something to look forward to.
It can be reading a special book to
your children each year, a night on
the town with a friend or partner,
or hitting the slopes at a ski resort
you’ve never visited.
Plan ahead. Practice healthy habits
to reduce stress, keep a to-do list
and try not to overbook. Eliminate
unnecessary work. Set realistic
expectations. Make time to exercise
and get enough sleep. Limit alcohol
consumption and avoid unhealthy
snacks and meals. Be kind to
yourself.
Take it day by day. Sometimes,
not following a rigid holiday
routine can extinguish pressure to
“have the perfect Christmas,” says
East Northport resident Denise
Schwartz. She lost her husband
three years ago when their children
were 6 months, 6 and 9. She makes
each holiday “about the kids,” setting
little to no expectations, with
less pressure on herself.
“I make things very laid back and
try to do different things so I don’t
feel caught in a rut,” she says. “We
make cookies on Christmas Eve
but I don’t do a lot of cooking. I put
all my energy into making the kids
happy.”
Pay attention to the good. Because
it’s there. Yes, the holiday season
can be stressful. It can remind us
of who and what we don’t have and
that can indeed be painful. But if
you open your eyes and your heart
enough to see past that — people
caring more and being overly
generous and kind; beautiful white
snow showers and snowmen; festive
lights and music — you might beat
the holiday blues and discover
and enjoy the magic of the holiday
season.
PRESS HEALTH
Depression and
Bereavement
Support
Mercy Medical Center
1000 North Village
Ave., Rockville Centre.
mercymedicalcenter.chsli.org
Crisis Service:
516-705-2248.
Outpatient Clinic:
516-705-3400.
Nassau County Psychological
Association
60 Hollywood Ave.,
Massapequa. nassaupsych.org
516-377-1010
Suffolk County Psychological
Association
P.O. Box 397, Commack.
suffolkpsych.org
631-423-2409
COPE Foundation
P.O. Box 1251, Melville.
copefoundation.org
516-832-2673.
BY MICHELLE GABRIELLE CENTAMORE