The holidays can be a source of depression for some

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – It can be one of the happiest times of the year, but the holidays, can also be a dark time for some.

The added stress of the holidays can trigger depression.

“The holidays are filled with pressure and expectations really. The media images of the perfect holiday and all that kind of thing. People end up trying to live up to unrealistic expectations which can be quite stressful,” says Dr. Jehannine Austin, an assistant professor and psychiatric and genetic counsellor with UBC.

She says a number of people deal with the pressure in a pretty negative way.

“Alcohol is everywhere at this time of year. Because it’s so easily-accessible, people do use it as a way of trying to self-medicate or manage any negative feelings that they might be having,” says Austin.

There are other more positive ways to deal with the condition, though she says people can often neglect their importance.

“These are things that people tend to roll their eyes about and say ‘oh well we know that.'”

The preventative measures are things everyone can do.

“Things like getting enough good-quality sleep on a regular schedule is very important. Also exercise. It doesn’t have to be super huge, it doesn’t have to massive hour-long intense workout but some exercise can be really helpful. Good nutrition is also important. We have a tendency towards over-eating (during the holidays) so making sure what you’re putting in is as good quality as you can is important. Social support (is also a necessity),” says Austin.

Failing that, she says light therapy has also had positive results when it comes to dealing with depression.

“Another thing that we’ve got some really interesting research data just coming out of UBC is about light therapy and about how useful that can be year-round, that can be very helpful,” says Austin.

Above all, she says manage your expectations and be kind to yourself.