Creating Positive Outcomes – Helps Clients with Depression Associated with the Holiday Season

Dec. 9, 2008 - PRLog -- Tampa, FL -- As a counselor in Tampa, FL, I understand why some people feel sad or blue sometimes, but the stress associated with holidays may stir feelings of loss or separation, reports Christine Hardway a counselor for Creating Positive Outcomes.  What’s important to know is that more people become depressed during the holiday season than at any other time. There are many different reasons for why people become depressed during this time. For some, the holiday season reminds them of past losses such as a divorce or the death of a loved one. Grief counselors often report it is particularly hard time for those experiencing the first holiday season without a favorite aunt or grandparent because they have recently passed on. Grief counseling can be beneficial for people experiencing holiday depression. www.TampaGriefCounselor.info

According to Creating Positive Outcomes therapist Christine Hardway, some people are actually very lonely during this time because they do not have a lot of friends or family. Their family may live far away or they may be estranged from their family because of a conflict. Some feel enormous pressure to buy gifts that they cannot afford. They become preoccupied with keeping up with the Joneses and they have unrealistic expectations of themselves, which creates a feeling of disappointment as well as inadequacy.  

Common symptoms of depression include withdrawal from traditional holiday activities and lack of interest holiday traditions that were once enjoyable.  Feelings of worthlessness or helplessness as well as weight changes are also symptoms. Many experience tearfulness, lack of energy and a general feeling of sadness when they are depressed.  It is important to identify these symptoms as they occur so that they may be addressed. Many people wait to long to seek treatment for depression and then it takes longer for them to see a decrease in depressive symptoms. People need to realize that they are not alone and many people suffer from depression and seek treatment. Counseling can be beneficial for people experiencing holiday depression. For contact information http://creatingpositiveoutcomes.com/tampacounseling.htm.

Images in the media do not help to alleviate signs of depression as the media tends to portray images of perfect families in a perfect house celebrating a perfect holiday and this is just unrealistic. The reality is that many families have real problems and these problems do not disappear even around the holidays. Christine Hardway reports counselors treating depression know famous movies that have Christmas themes do not help to portray a realistic view of the holidays as well. Some traditional holiday movies convey the message that holidays are always fun-filled and problem free and this is just not always the case. There are many commercials that market various products around the holidays in a way that conveys that one cannot have a great holiday season without spending a lot of money, which makes some people, feel inadequate.  

Skilled therapists and counselors can provide many effective solutions to treat depression. At Creating Positive Outcomes, Christine Hardway reports most people experience a significant decrease in depressive symptoms after treatment.  Psychotherapy (talking to a therapist) can play an important role in the treatment of depression as the therapist can be objective and assist the patient in resolving issues that may seem very overwhelming.  Many times therapists can help enhance one’s ability to cope with stressors by increasing self-esteem and improving one’s outlook. It is very important that the depressed person find a licensed therapist with whom he or she feels comfortable and is therefore able to honestly disclose uncomfortable feelings.   Antidepressant medications can also be effective in alleviating depressive symptoms.

It is important to take personal responsibility for making changes in your life in order to manage depressive symptoms. Ways of doing this include keeping your expectations for the holiday season within reason, and do not expect the holiday season to be perfect. Doing something nice for somebody else such as donating your time or purchasing a gift for those who are less fortunate can make you feel really good and it benefits others too. Spending time with supportive people is helpful as it can improve your mood.  Try to make a holiday budget, and stay within your limits. Resist the temptation to overspend. Trying something new and different this holiday season by planning special holiday events can create a special memory for the whole family. Be physically active and take care of your body. Get rest, eat well, and take a few walks.  Take care of your emotional self. If you are grieving losses in your life or recovering from a loss or serious illness, join a support group or contact a therapist that you are comfortable talking with. If you are feeling very depressed, contact your physician.

Contact: Christine Hardway
Creating Positive Outcomes
6105A Memorial Highway
Suite 1
Tampa, FL 33615
Phone:   813 546 3567
Fax :      813 926 6862

Additional Resources:

www.CreatingPositiveOutcomes.com
www.TampaGriefCounselor.info

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Creating Positive Outcomes is a Tampa, FL based provider of psychotherapy to individual, couples, families and teenagers in a non-judgmental and supportive environment that promotes healing and allows for the realization of potential. Our philosophy is therapy is a dialogue between therapist and client.