The most un-wonderful time of the year

By Staff
Melissa Cason
Franklin County Times
Christmastime is widely considered the most wonderful time of the year, but for some it is a time of stress, which can trigger emotional distress and depression.
Roger Graves, Program Coordinator for Riverbend in Russellville, said their are two major explanations for the blues during the holiday season: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and depression.
SAD is a seasonal condition that can be brought on by the the lack of sunlight in winter months. That kicks off a depressive state for the patient.
"SAD is treated by a special light and sometimes medication," Graves said.
Depression is often a sign of more serious problems. Depression is treated with psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, or a combination of talk therapy and medication.
Graves said Christmas can trigger a depressive state.
"Christmas is such a big holiday, so we remember more things that happen on Christmas better than we do on regular days like May 3 of last year," Graves said.
Graves said that we are all going to experience negative things in our lives, but balances and imbalances in brain chemistry can have serious emotional consequences.
Graves suggests that anyone worried about a loved one's well being to get them into a treatment program for an evaluation.
However, Graves does want to stress that there is a difference between someone who is clinically depressed and someone who is grieving.
"The sadness from grief dissipates as time passes by," Graves said. "The loss of a loved one, a divorce or other life changing experiences could bring on the feeling of grief."
For more information on depression or mental illness, contact your local physician or Riverbend at 332-3971.