Contrary to popular belief, people are no more likely to become clinically depressed during the holidays than at any other time of year, says a Purdue University psychologist. However, he says holiday stress might push persons bordering on major depression into recognizing how sad and dysfunctional they are.
Depression causes people to feel sad, helpless and hopeless.
They lack energy and don't sleep or eat well over unusually long stretches of time. Serious mood disorders, such as depression, tend to result from either personally devastating circumstances or even medical or biological processes. The Purdue Depression Clinic offers those with major depression an alternative to traditional psychotherapy. Skills taught include relaxation techniques, constructive thinking, methods for self-change and effective use of social skills. For example, Rollock says people who are depressed have difficulty being assertive.