Depression is an emotional state in which the sufferer feels sad, lonely and dejected, usually accompanied by negative thinking, and often involving physical symptoms such as fatigue and headaches. There are lots of reasons for depression during the holiday season, but one common factor is that we often have unrealistic expectations for the holidays. In addition to the quick ending, the long holiday season may not pan out to be all that we had anticipated. For many people, large family gatherings can be depressing because of internal problems such as illness, death, divorce or certain family members simply not getting along with each other. Other major reasons for depression include loneliness, the financial aftermath of holiday shopping, and even disappointment over the presents received.
Alcohol consumption goes up during the holidays, compounding the problem.
When people who are already depressed consume too much alcohol, which in essence is a depressant drug, their problems can multiply. Anyone is susceptible to holiday depression, regardless of age, sex, or background. Generally, it most greatly affects those people who feel they have a lack of control over their lives. When things are going wrong and they feel powerless and without anyone to turn to or confide in, depression sets in. These are usually individuals without a strong social network, be it family or friends.