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When Valentine’s Day hearts and cupids start going up in store windows, and we begin hearing about peoples’ plans for romantic celebrations, it’s hard not to give at least some consideration to your own relationships or how far you may seem to be from having normal relationships. If you’re suffering from depression, the holiday hoopla can remind you how painful interactions with people can be, how alone you may feel, and how far you may seem to be from normal relationships. Those who are undiagnosed or unaware that they have depression may blame themselves for their intensely pessimistic feelings and for distancing themselves from relationships with friends, families, and partners.

Part three of three in our series on depression and the holidays.

Though the holidays can be a joyous time of year, they also come with seasonal stressors that can bring on the blues or trigger depressive episodes in those prone to the disease. In the last two posts, we discussed holiday stressors, as well as antidepressant medication, which is the first line of therapy for those suffering from major depression. There is also a subset of patients who do not respond adequately to antidepressants. For those who don't find relief from medication, there are now excellent non-pharmaceutical alternatives available, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a highly effective treatment with minimal side effects.

Part two of three in our series on depression and the holidays.

Holiday stress can be tough for anyone to handle, but it’s especially difficult for those of us who are prone to depression or going through personal challenges. Tense family gatherings, debilitating weather, high expectations, and the strain on our wallets can bring on the holiday blues or trigger depression.

The holidays can be a wonderful time to get together with family and friends. However, all the preparation, obligations, and unrealistic expectations can also lead to stress and anxiety. With the season stretching from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day, it’s not uncommon to develop a touch of the blues along the way. And for those prone to depression, seasonal stressors can also trigger a depressive episode or exacerbate existing symptoms. While the holiday blues are temporary, depression is a serious illness that doesn’t disappear after the season is over. If you’re feeling down this winter, it’s important to recognize holiday pressures and understand the critical differences between temporary sadness and clinical depression.