The holiday season is supposed to be the happiest time of year, right? As the season approaches, greeting cards and carols are filled with words like “cheer,” “joy,” “merry,” and “happy.” The emotions and pressures to be “joyful” and “happy” pile up and, in time, they explode.

The holiday blues or holiday depression are often referred to as feelings of sadness that last during the holiday season, especially during the months of November and December. Traditionally, the holidays are a time of joy and happiness. Others, however, may go through a period of painful reflection, loneliness, anxiety, or depression during this time. Even people who love the holidays can suffer from the blues during this busy time of year. During the holidays, there is often a lot of emotion and demands, which can leave many people exhausted and stressed.

People with a prior mental health condition may be more susceptible to holiday depression. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 64% of people with an existing mental illness report that the holidays make their condition worse.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Holiday depression is characterized by a persistent or recurring feeling of sadness during the holiday season. The intensity and duration of this feeling may vary. It’s not uncommon for some individuals to feel down periodically, but then experience brief periods of feeling better.

Some signs of holiday depression might include:

• Changes in appetite or weight
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Depressed or irritable mood
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Feeling more tired that usual
• Feeling tense, worried, or anxious
• Loss of pleasure in doing things you used to enjoy