Wellness & Spirituality
By Calvin G. Rivers, M.Ed. Psychology
Are you suffering from post-holiday
depression? Millions of us suffer
from depression, but are not aware of
it! Depression is a familiar term to us
all, yet we often deny the existence
of this dreadful disease and the
impact that it may have in our lives.
Particularly during the holidays, we
may be in denial of being depressed.
Even as you read this article, you
may be thinking of the person sitting
next to you suffering from depression
without giving any consideration to
how it may be negatively impacting
your post-holiday routine. You’re
not alone.
How often have you read about
television or music personalities
who seemed to have everything
going for them, but suddenly begin
to self-destruct before our very eyes?
They engage in self-destructive
behaviors such as alcohol abuse
or drug addiction and in the most
severe of cases, suicide has been
the result. Studies have shown that
during the holiday season and the
months that immediately follow,
Coping with Post-Holiday
we run the highest risk of suffering
Depression
from depression. The suicide rate
dramatically increases during this
time of the year as well.
replied, “Dad, spending time with you is just not fun anymore”. I recalled that this
was around the time I had taken on a new project at work.
Depression can strike anyone from any socio-economic background and at any time
or age. I remember sitting in my neighborhood barbershop one day and getting the
I realized that he was telling me something very significant about my behavior. More
news that one of the shops favorite patrons had committed suicide. Everyone struggled
time had to be taken to unwind after work. I did not have the same enthusiasm as
with coming to terms with how a person who appeared to be so happy all the time
before when we were doing things together. I was tired more often. I was depressed.
could do such a thing. All of us sitting in the shop that day had to come to terms with
My son in his own way was explaining how my depression was negatively impacting
the reality that the person who committed suicide could have been any one of us.
how he experienced our time together. So when in doubt, ask your children. You may
Studies have shown that even infants can show signs of suffering from depression.
be surprised by what they tell you.
It should not come as a surprise that depression can be inherited. Yes, this is one of
many conditions in your life that you can truly blame on your parents. It is hard to Combating Depression
think of infants as being susceptible to depression because in our adult minds, infants What should be done if I am depressed? As I mentioned previously, detecting signs
have the least to be depressed about in their young lives. of depression can be quite a challenge. Fortunately, combating depression can be a
very simple process. Some of the same rules you learned back in grade school apply
Signs of Depression
when fighting depression. Make sure you eat the right foods and maintain a balanced
Detecting the signs and/or symptoms of depression can present a challenge because
diet. Make sure you get the proper amount of rest.
of the hustle and bustle that occurs during the holiday season. Once the holidays are
Try to sustain a good exercise regimen. Studies have proven that regular exercise helps
over and we begin our struggle to dig out from under the financial turmoil that is the
the body to produce endorphins that counteract the effects of depression. After life
result of excessive gift buying, we tend to sink into a depressive state without realizing
changing events try to make time for a self-inventory to see if depression has entered
it. The symptoms and behaviors associated with this disease become normalized and
your life. Pay close attention to your behavior during and after the major holidays.
included as a part of the daily routine which make their detection that more difficult.
Make contact with loved ones who may no longer be around now that the holiday
The first place to look for the sign of depression is to take an inventory of how your
season is over. The Internet makes staying in contact with loved ones easier than ever.
feeling right now. As you read this article, do you feel depressed? This may seem
This is particularly important for those of us who may have family members who are
like a simplistic answer for a difficult problem, but often just taking an inventory of
participating in the Armed Forces abroad. Ask those who know you the best and or
what your feeling right now is a good starting place. Now that family and friends have
spend time with you the most if they have seen any subtle changes in your behavior
gone, is there a lingering and persistent sadness? This is often the case for parents
that may be consistent with symptoms of depression.
who may have children who are attending college in another state for the first time.
Most importantly, if none of these things work, seek help. African Americans rank
Those of us with family members that are participating in military endeavors overseas
among the highest group to be susceptible to depression, yet we are the last to seek
may be particularly susceptible to depression.
help. The help you need may be with a friend, your local religious leader and or a
When in doubt, ask your children if they have noticed a change. One of the wonderful
therapist. Get the help you need so you can enjoy the happiness that you deserve.
things about our children is their innocence. At times, the things that can come out of
the mouths of children can be both embarrassing and enlightening.
I remember one day my son and I were talking about summer activities because the
end of the school year was quickly approaching. I had noticed that he did not have
the same enthusiasm during this discussion as previous years. My first inclination
was to think that he was being unappreciative of my effort to take time away from
the hustle and bustle to schedule and attend summer events with him. Being careful
not to allow him to see my disgust, I asked him what was wrong. He very simply
18  NAPTURAL ROOTS  VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2
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