why are people so depressed during the holidays?

Question

i work in a public place and everyone seems so sad and depressed during this season and its supposed to be the happiest time of the year.... why is that

Answer 1

Stress maybe. There's so much to do during the holidays. Shopping; planning for meals, company, parties, etc... It seems like the whole routine of "life" changes to accomodate all the extras. Also, there are a lot of events during the holidays, like school plays, parties, church programs, etc. It's also a big family time, and when some family members are missing, then they're missed terribly. It's easy to get depressed. Sometimes, I think we're just too hard on ourselves...more stress.

Sometimes I think the holidays meant more when no one had money for presents and we gave gifts of kindness or made something creative.

Hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season and a very happy 2007!

Answer 2

It's actually an urban myth that suicide rates go up during the holidays, they actually go down. Depression often coincides with the winter months because of something calls SAD - seasonal affective disorder. SAD is caused by not receiving enough light during the winter days. Some research shows that SAD is because of a difference in the circadian clock. We used to wake up and sleep with the sun, and without that much sunlight our bodies naturally want to sleep more, and be less active which can lead to depression (not enough activities will reduce endorphin levels in your brain create the feeling of happyness). Or, the lack of chemicals that the sun provides (one that helps produces the chemicals that create feelings of happiness). SAD is now remedied with artificial light treatment during the winter months.

For more information on SAD www.webmd.com is a good source.

If you're experiencing depression around just December 25th, or through the weeks of Hanukkah then you might want to look at yourself a little more closely, or try and find out what might be bothering you about this particular day.

As always if feelings of depression (for example - feelings of intense sadness, hopelessness, a loss of interest in activities, thoughts of suicide, anxiety) last longer then 2 weeks please consult with your doctor.

Answer 3

I've always heard that suicide rates go up during the holidays. Maybe it has to do with the fact that people are expected to be happy and cheerful--and they then focus on their circumstances and get depressed. But, I believe that we should focus on our blessings:
You may not live in a mansion, but you have a roof over your head.
You don't have a Lexus, but you have a car and are not riding the bus.
You may ride the bus, but at least you're not walking.
You may have to walk, but at least you have legs, and etc.

Think on and focus on the positive--that'll do it every time.

Answer 4

In a simple answer, there's many factors, but the most common reasons I've seen are these: doesn't have anyone to celebrate with, jealous of other's happiness while they are lonely, painful memories of this time of year, it's the end of the year and they don't feel like there's any accomplishments done by them, and of course it's not their holiday and they hate getting it shoved in their faces.

I'm sure there's many more reasons, but those are the most common ones I've seen

Answer 5

For many it's the reminder of all the people in their life that they have lost over the years. Happy times in the past that are gone forever. If your having a happy holiday, share it with someone. Give a gift to someone who won't get any and ask someone to dinner.

Answer 6

Maybe the stress of buying gifts for so many people and not having enough money. Having to buy for people out of guilt or maybe being seperated from family and loved ones. My husbands father died on Christmas day and his mother died a few days after Thanksgiving. Those thoughts are always there but it being a holiday makes it more depressing because we spent those days with them.

Answer 7

The pressures that come from having an improper, unwholesome view toward one's possessions and attachments to those possessions and an unwholesome clinging to people. A person should be able to be happy and have peace, even if they do have those possessions, or when they are not in the presence of those people that make them happy.
"Study and follow the 4 Noble Truths and The
Noble Eightfold Path" in order to have a full understanding, and by doing so, it will bring you true Peace and Happiness, even during the stresses and pressures of life !!!

Answer 8

During the holidays it is more obvious to individuals what they have versus, what society says they should have. Plus, during the holidays people feel that much more on the outside looking in on those who have happiness, sort of like when Scrooge was looking in through the windows of people happily celebrating Christmas.

Answer 9

Because some of them might not have family and friends to celebrate with during the holidays. They might not celebrate Christmas. There are a lot of reasons.

Maybe they just hate work?

Answer 10

I Think it's because our to do list is so long .The more you're able to clear your to-do list, the better you feel. Focus on reducing rather than increasing, and you'll see (and feel) how easy it is to simplify your life. This sense of relief is easily attained Then you can spend more time with Family and Friends .I Think that's what it's all about ....