The green leaves of summer fall gently to the ground. A log crackles in the fire while the little ones sip on hot cocoa. The snow outside piles high. Anticipation fills the air as the joy of holidays approaches . . .

Bah Humbug!

Seasonal Affective Disorder
In reality, the coming of the winter season is not joyously greeted by some ten million Americans each year. They suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a very real reaction to a lack of sunlight which can cause mild or major depression in the cold weather months. Symptoms of SAD can include sleep problems, overeating, feelings of hopelessness or anxiety, loss of libido, lethargy and joint or stomach problems. The good news is that its cause has been well documented. The lack of bright light in winter alters the brain chemistry. Hence, one treatment protocol is a measured exposure to a light box for 15 to 45 minutes of an hour each day. Other treatments may include cognitive behavioral therapy and/or medication as indicated. If an individual suspects that he or she is suffering from SAD, it is important that they consult with a physician or mental health professional.

Holiday Blues
However, even for those who do not suffer from SAD, the winter months and their associative holiday festivities can be an enormous source of stress. This stress stems from many factors including the holidays’ failure to live up to expectations; too many responsibilities; unpleasant memories; the excess consumption of food, drugs or alcohol; and the unrealistic desire to have those around them celebrate the holidays in the same manner as they would.

Surviving the holidays requires staying organized, doing as only as much as you feel comfortable doing, being willing to say "no," reducing your expectations, letting go of the past as well as of those things you simply can not control. It’s also a good period in which to spend some quality time alone and reassess those things which matter most.

So the next time the sound of "Auld Lang Syne" or a picture of that "happy little family" sitting around the festive dinner table makes you queasy, know that it doesn’t have to be that way. If the above suggestions don’t help there are professionals who can.

Dr. Randi Kell is a licensed psychologist who provides evaluations and psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults and families at the Center For Family Guidance, P.C. (CFG). The Center also provides individual, couples and family therapy; child and adolescent mental health therapy; psychiatric evaluations; as well as medication management. Offices are located in Marlton and Woodbury, NJ. For more information, please call 856-983-3900 or visit the web site, www.ctrfamilyguidance.com.