HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Why Am I So Sad?

This article is not to be used without permission from
the Founder of T.A.G. Ministries, International
© 2007 TAG Ministries, International / Houston, Texas

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In America , the most joyous holidays are celebrated at the end of each year: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Families and friends come together for fanciful feasts, to frolic outdoors and to express their faith in God. Homes are beautifully decorated denoting both the change in weather as well as the change in holidays. There are beautiful fall colors for Thanksgiving; Christmas lights illuminate living rooms and lawns; and party hats, streamers and confetti are at the ready to ring in the New Year. Kitchens come alive with the aroma of savory sensations that makes your mouth water as soon as you walk through the front door. Dining tables are adorned with desserts so delightfully delectable you are tempted to sneak a sample of each sweet treat. (Go ahead; Mom won’t see you taste the frosting.) As each holiday approaches not only do you look forward to the food that will fill your belly, but you anticipate the fun-filled moments you will have as you are surrounded by family and friends. Laughter will fill the air as children are outside playing with each other and adults are inside playing various games of friendly competition; some families go hunting together; some will be singing others will be dancing; all of this will create memories for the next year.



But what about those who experience “un-happy holidays”? For them, Thanksgiving through New Years is the worst time of their lives. During this season some experience a SADness that seems to engulf them and despite how much they want to be happy…there seems to be no hope for the holidays.

Do you feel depressed around the holidays?
It could be a sign of seasonal
affective disorder
also known as S.A.D.
SADness is a form of depression.

Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods. But, true clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for an extended period of time.


Depressed children may not have the classic symptoms of adult depression. Watch especially for changes in school performance, sleep, and behavior. If you wonder whether your child might be depressed, it's worth bringing to a counselor or doctor’s attention.

What is SAD?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs in relation to the seasons, most commonly beginning in winter.


Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is marked by symptoms of depression profound enough to seriously affect work and relationships. The disorder may have its onset in adolescence or early adulthood and, like other forms of depression, occurs more frequently in women than in men. But note, most people with the "winter blahs" or "cabin fever" do not have SAD.

Physicians and counselors say that the cause of SAD is not known, but is thought to be related to numerous factors including body temperature, hormone regulation, and ambient light. A rare form occurs in the summer.

Symptoms of SAD

• Depression with the onset of fall or winter
• Lack of energy
• Decreased interest in work or significant activities
• Increased appetite with weight gain
• Carbohydrate cravings
• Increased sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness
• Social withdrawal
• Afternoon slumps with decreased energy and concentration
• Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement

Medical Treatment
As with other types of depression, antidepressant medications and talk therapy can be effective. With the change of seasons, symptoms oftentimes resolve themselves without any outside assistance.


Expectations (prognosis)
The outcome is good with continuous treatment, although some people have the disorder throughout their lives.


Complications
Seasonal affective disorder can sometimes progress to a major depressive syndrome.


How does the Bible address depression?
Talk Therapy (counseling) alone or medicine alone is NOT the answer to depression. The suggestions above are a “natural” solution to treat mental and/or physical issues. These are the solutions prescribed by the world’s system. But what do the scriptures say about such things? How does the Bible address depression?


In our next lesson, we will take a look at depression or SADness from a biblical perspective. For it is in the Word of God that we will find Hope for the Holidays.

Information Sources: The Holy Bible, “The Heart of Man & The Mental Disorders”-Thompson, “Caring for God’s People God’s Way”-Clinton/Hart/Ohlschlager, Mayo Clinic, Healthline.com, Christinyou.net, the5foldman.com, Christian-faith.com, Dr. Richard Boyum, “Lord, I Want to be Whole”-Omartian, “Competent Christian Counseling”-Clinton&Ohlschlager, “Christian Counseling”-Collins

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This lesson is presented by:

T.A.G. MINISTRIES, INTERNATIONAL
Evangelist Tracy Curtis , Founder