Craig Seamands, M.D., psychiatrist with the Alegent Health Center for Mental Health Find out more about Dr. Seamands Holiday "blues" describes the depression and emotional trauma many people experience during the holiday season.

Moodiness and low energy, coinciding with the onset of winter, particularly the loss of daylight from approximately November to March, contributes to depressive symptoms at approximately the same season of the year. (It is interesting that neither condition seems to be described so much in tropical climates or in the Southern Hemisphere).

In dealing with holiday "blues" we often recommend people try to maintain their same schedule of living as much as possible, and avoid staying up too late frequently, avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine intake and in particular try to lessen some of the social demands of the season.

Don't forget that for large numbers of people the holiday season is not pleasant. We have the impression that it always entails large gatherings of extended families in great prosperity.  Yet for many people it is a time of loneliness. This is especially true for the widowed and divorced or for those that do not have family connections.

The holiday season is also stressful for children and teenagers from broken homes where there is a good deal of discord, animosity and strain over holiday visitation. For children it's important to maintain a stable sleep schedule and avoid excess caffeine.

Increasing light exposure in winter may be helpful. If the dysphoria, sadness and low energy seem to persist more than a few days or are accompanied by lack of concentration, crying, or a sense of despair, then professional help should be sought.

Frequently, these symptoms can be treated effectively with antidepressants or a combination of antidepressants and therapy.

Find out more about the Alegent Health Center for Mental Health.