Community Corner

Are You Having A Blue Christmas? Here's Help for Preventing the Holidays Blues

Advocate Christ physician recommends the 'A' list for preventing holiday depression.

As much as we love Elvis Presley’s version of Blue Christmas, for many people the holidays can trigger sadness, stress and even depression.

Gary Stuck, a family practitioner at  and president of the medical center’s physician partners in Oak Lawn, says a number of factors can contribute to the “holiday blues” or even a serious depression at this time of year.

“Holiday depression is a very real problem for some people,” Dr. Stuck said. “There may be unreasonable expectations that something good will happen.”

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Stuck said adult realities cannot live up to the feelings shaped in early childhood “when the holidays truly were a magical time.”

Other factors contributing to feelings of sadness around the holidays, as well as depression, include the current economic challenges and diminished amounts of sunlight that can lead to a condition called seasonal affective disorder or SAD.

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The National Mental Health Association estimates that as many as one in six Americans suffer from SAD, with as many as 25 percent reporting “not feeling great” during the winter months.

According to Advocate Christ, some of the symptoms of depression include:

  • loss of appetite, weight gain or loss
  • irritability, explosive outbursts
  • lack of interest or enjoyment in activities, especially those that once brought pleasure
  • lack of energy
  • poor concentration
  • feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

Experiencing several of these symptoms of depression for a period of two weeks or longer may require medical treatment.

“A call to your primary care physician should be the first step in getting the help needed,” Dr. Stuck said.

Dr. Stuck recommends the “A” list for preventing and addressing holiday depression:

  • Awareness: be aware of how you’re feeling—knowing the signs of depression is very important.
  • Activity: physical exercise, especially, can help offset the effects of depression and stress.
  • Avoid isolation: seek out family and friends to talk to and spend time with.
  • Ask for help: seek professional help if necessary. If you are suffering signs of depression, call your doctor. Health professionals are skilled at assisting people with depression and can connect you with resources that can help.


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