Happy Holidays, What Do You Have To Be Depressed About?

It has been a week of shopping and wrapping. I totally soaked in the holiday season, and like many other people felt complete joy just picking out that perfect gift, didn't you?

Truth is that the holidays only bring about more stress and anxiety than the rest of the year. So when sitting around the fire sipping on your choice beverage, or in my case staring out the window at a palm tree with cold punch, use these tips with your family members who are less than enthusiastic about the holidays.

What not to say to a depressed person from an article by Therese J. Borchard:

1.Snap out of it! -- "...depression is not something patients can turn on and off, and they’re not able to respond to such pleas. Instead, tell your loved one that you’re available to help them in any way you can."

2. What do you have to be depressed about? -- "You can’t argue someone out of feeling depressed, but you can help by acknowledging that you’re aware of his pain. Try saying something like “I’m sorry that you’re feeling so bad."

3. Why don't you go for a nice walk? -- "By definition, depression keeps you from wanting to engage in everyday activities. But you can show your support by offering to take a walk, go to a movie, or do some other activity with your loved one. How about: “I know you don’t feel like going out, but let’s go together."

4. It's all in your head. -- "Suggesting that depression is imagined is neither constructive nor accurate...Try saying instead: 'I know that you have a real illness that’s causing you to feel this way.'"

What then can you say? Try this:

"Seeing a therapist is probably a good idea." -- "You think your loved one could benefit from talking to a mental health professional. Should you say so?"  

YES!

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Happy Holidays!