The Yuletide season is typically a time for food, fun and festivities that is shared with family and friends. However, it can be overwhelming for many people who have lost loved ones or who have been struggling with depression throughout the course of the year, which can result in suicidal thoughts.

According to a recent report from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, eight suicides have occurred since the start of December.

Our Today spoke to La-Toya Cameron Hill, trauma and life coach, who outlined that doctors and mental health professionals and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that at least 64 per cent of people living with depression reported that their conditions worsened around Christmas.

She noted: “Adolescents ages 12 to 17, and adults between the age 18 and 29 years old, are among the two groups that depression is most commonly reported.”

“When Christmas comes around it brings a variety of events, social interactions and challenges. Sometimes the resulting stress has to do with the pressure of how many responsibilities one has. In other cases, it can be tied to complicated memories of the past or anxiety about family gatherings,” she said.

Hill explained that having too much fun, such as overindulging in alcohol or missing sleep due to social activities, can also be stressful on the body.

Root causes of depression during Christmas season

“Some of the main causes of depression include generalised stress, which may be due to responsibilities, more social interactions and recharge,” Hill said.

Other reasons listed by the life coach included physical and mental fatigue, financial stress, stressful family gatherings, loneliness and high expectations of the season portrayed through social media and television.

“When stress is at its peak, it is hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the Christmas holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past,” she said.

She also outlined some tips that can help to prevent stress and depression:

• Acknowledge that it is normal to feel sadness and grief. It is ok to take time out to cry or express your feelings.
• Volunteering or doing something to help others is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden friendships.
• Make some time for yourself to do an activity that will allow you to exhale, clear your mind and restore inner calm.
• Seek professional help from a doctor or mental health professional if you find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious.

Hill further noted that Christmas does not have to be perfect, or just like last year, because families and traditions change. Instead, persons should be open to creating new traditions and rituals.

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