Shannon Caraway, behavioral health therapist, shares a light moment with Jodi Leeker, program director at Baxter Regional Medical Center’s Adult Behavior Health Center. KEVIN PIEPER/FOR LIVING WELL


Question: What are the symptoms


of depression? Answer: Major depression is a mood


disorder that affects the way you feel about life in general. Having a hopeless or helpless outlook on your life is the most common symptom of depression. Other symptoms of depression may in- clude persistent sadness or “empty” mood, feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, changes in appetite, trouble focusing and concentrating, quick anger, irritability, easily frustrat- ed, loss of interest in things previously enjoyed, sleep issues (whether too much or too little), low energy and isolation. Q: Why do people get depressed be-


fore, during or after the holidays? A: Feelings of depression and nega-


tive moods can affect many people at the holidays, and not just those who have been diagnosed with clinical de- pression. The month of December can


Images of love and joy fill the storefronts, TV screens and magazine pages, which gives the illusion that everyone has a “Hallmark movie” life, which isn’t reality.


be a particularly difficult time of the year for those dealing with family conflict, loss, loneliness and mental health is- sues. Images of love and joy fill the storefronts, TV screens and magazine pages, which gives the illusion that ev- eryone has a “Hallmark movie” life, which isn’t reality. Some risk factors of holiday depression are setting up unre- alistic expectations of what the holidays are supposed to be like, trying to do too much or being “bogged down by perfec-


6 ❚ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 ❚ LIVING WELL


tionism”, comparing your life with what you see from other’s social media posts, and poor eating and drinking habits, which can increase during the winter months and often can get out of hand. Help avoid holiday depression by watching out for warning signs and be realistic about life situations. Q: What steps can people take to


have a positive mental outlook during the holidays? A: This takes motivation and self-


training. There are a million ways to im- prove our mental outlook, so I will just name a few of my favorites. Have a morning routine! How you start your day sets the tone for the rest of the day. If watching the news brings you down, then make some coffee and watch the birds outside your window or read a pos- itive-affirmation book. Carry an attitude of happiness with you and relish small pleasures. We don’t have to wait on ma-


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