Visiting Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast

December Answer Nurse

Are you suffering from more than just added holiday stress?

Each year the holidays bring more responsibilities and stress to our lives. The financial, emotional, and physical strain can add additional stress to our busy lives and affect our mood and behavior. However, there are times when change in our behavior is more than just added stress. If you notice that your mood or behavior changes each holiday season, you might suffer from a mood disorder known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Q. The holidays are supposed to be a joyous time, why do they cause so much stress?
A. The holiday season does represent a fun and joyous time. But with that comes a lot of preparation and added responsibilities. The holidays bring parties, family trips, buying gifts, and extravagant meals. With all the extra activities the holidays bring, it is easy to understand why a person could become overwhelmed with the added responsibilities. Too much stress can affect you physically and emotionally.

Q. Are there things I can do to avoid holiday stress?
A. Yes, here are a few tips that can help avoid holiday stress:

• Be realistic with your expectations of the holidays. Putting too much pressure on yourself to create the perfect holiday atmosphere will create unnecessary strain for yourself. Identify your limits and don’t feel the pressure to create the perfect atmosphere.
• Be aware of your budget. The holidays can be an expensive time for everyone. Shopping, decorations and extra food supplies are all items that add up and affect the budget. Before the holiday rush begins, set a realistic budget for yourself. Begin your shopping earlier on or put aside a little extra money months prior. Over extending yourself financially will only add more stress in the long term.
• Don’t over-commit yourself. There are a lot more parties and group events that take place during this time. Don’t spread yourself too thin or over commit yourself to events. Be sure to take time for yourself and do activities you enjoy.

Q. I am not stressed during the holiday, but my mood still changes. What does that mean?
A.  If the holidays do not cause you stress, but you still see a difference in your mood and behavior each year, you could be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

SAD is a mood disorder that is related to the seasons. There are different types of SAD, but the most common occurrence is during the winter months. The lack of sun and cloudy winter skies can affect the serotonin and melatonin levels in your body.

Q. What are the symptoms of SAD?
A. The symptoms of SAD can mimic those of someone suffering from depression. Some symptoms may include:

• Anxiety
• Loss of energy or fatigue
• Avoiding crowds or social withdrawal
• Excessive sleeping
• Difficulty focusing
• Changes in appetite

If you suffer from these symptoms, then you should consult your physician about different treatments.

Q. How do you treat SAD?
A. There are different treatments for SAD, but one of the most common treatments is light box therapy. The light box can be a low-cost and effective way to treat the disorder. The patient will sit near the light box so the light indirectly hits the patient’s eyes. The light box acts a supplement for the outdoor light. This needs to be done every day, and it is usually most effective in the morning. A physician will help establish how much time and the intensity of light is needed for each patient.

In addition to light box therapy, there are certain medications that can help manage the patient’s symptoms. A physician’s order is necessary for any treatment.

Q. How can I tell if I am suffering from holiday stress or SAD?
A. To understand what is affecting your mood or behavioral changes, you should pay attention to your symptoms and consult your physician. Although the disorders share some similar symptoms, there are some distinct differences as well.

Stress can cause aches and pain in your body. You might also become not only withdrawn from social activities, but irritable as well. Excessive weight gain or loss signifies an increase level of stress in your life. You should first try reducing stress level by eliminating added responsibilities and taking time for yourself. If you find that you are continually feeling fatigued or demonstrate depression-like symptoms, you should consult your physician.

For more information on holiday stress, tips to avoid it, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, then please visit www.mayoclinic.com or www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Since 1975, the VNA has been committed to bringing skilled, compassionate, and cost-effective home health care to Indian River County patients. For more information about VNA services, call 772.567.5551 or visit www.vnatc.com.

The VNA Answer Nurse welcomes your questions. Please write or call:  The VNA Answer Nurse, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960, (772) 567.5760 extension 5636, or email:  answernurse@vnatc.com. This material is for general information. To diagnose a specific illness or disorder, consult your doctor.