Dealing With the Holiday Blues
http://www.aframnews.com/html/interspire/articles/1234/1/Dealing-With-the-Holiday-Blues/Page1.html
Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon
Ruth Jones McClendon was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1996, representing District 120 in San Antonio. Her service during the 81st Regular Session of the Legislature marks her seventh term in office.By Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon
Published on 12/23/2009
The holiday season is upon us – it’s “everywhere you go:” music, colorful decorations, toys, and non-stop advertising. For some of us, the holiday season brings joy, celebration, and contentment—the best time of the year.
For others, it may be the worst of times—the “holiday blues,” seasonal affect disorder (SAD), or depression can set in. Reports in the news often tell of a person being so distraught, they committed an act of violence against another person or themselves.
For others, it may be the worst of times—the “holiday blues,” seasonal affect disorder (SAD), or depression can set in. Reports in the news often tell of a person being so distraught, they committed an act of violence against another person or themselves.
The holiday season is upon us – it’s “everywhere you go:” music, colorful decorations, toys, and non-stop advertising. For some of us, the holiday season brings joy, celebration, and contentment—the best time of the year.
For others, it may be the worst of times—the “holiday blues,” seasonal affect disorder (SAD), or depression can set in. Reports in the news often tell of a person being so distraught, they committed an act of violence against another person or themselves.
In some of those situations, the individual has been diagnosed medically and their issues may be well known to them and their caregivers. Some incidents may stem from abuse of drugs or alcohol.
This year especially, some will face issues new to them, such as a job loss, grief over a family member’s departure, money woes, or a difficult illness. Some of us may feel hopeless and helpless, not enjoy doing the things we usually do, sleep more (or less), feel moody and irritable, or just feel overwhelmed by several things at once.
These are some indicators that it may be time to reach out for help, rather than try to tough it out. Likewise, if a family member or friend is experiencing this kind of slump, it could help to rejuvenate yourself so that you will have the strength and coping skills to help that person if they need you.
Dealing with depression may include counseling with a licensed therapist, antidepressant medication, or a combination of those. For others, pastoral counseling or a support group may be a good approach.
The important point is to be aware when the need for help is triggered, and to seek out resources that offer the right kind of help. The good news is, there are several resources of help available here.
Perhaps you prefer to join a support group or begin a study of self-help and coping mechanisms. Your faith-based community may have resources.
Al-Anon or Alcoholics Anonymous group meetings and literature can be helpful for those who need help with drug and alcohol issues. These confidential groups are also open to those not facing such issues themselves, but seek to learn how to manage and improve their own lives. AA and Al-Anon groups are not about learning how to reform someone else. Although a $1 contribution is customary to attend a meeting; the lack of a dollar is no barrier. The Al-Anon contacts are 210-829-1392 or 888-829-1312 (toll-free); Al-Anon Information Service, P O Box 701436, San Antonio, Texas 78270; and by email SAAIS@yahoo.com. Alcoholics Anonymous offers information at http://www.aasanantonio.org/. Also, AA offers a 24-hour help line at 210-828-6235.
The United Way offers various programs to help with depression, including credit counseling. Their Help Line is 2-1-1, offering information, referral, and brief telephone counseling, on a free and confidential basis. Trained volunteers and staff answer the “211” calls; see also http://www.unitedway.org/worldwide/.
For a higher or more immediate level of assistance, the Center for Healthcare Services (CHCS) offers a Crisis Center help line at 223-7233 (223-SAFE) or 800-316-9241 (see also http://www.chcsbc.org/). CHCS offers priority to residents of Bexar County, and hours of operation vary. The CHCS ”Brady Green” location can provide screening, evaluation and crisis intervention services. CHCS is at 527 N. Leona in San Antonio, just east of the intersection at North Frio Street and Perez Street. A sliding fee scale is available based on ability to pay. For those needing specific help with drug- or alcohol-related issues, the Restoration Center offers intensive outpatient assistance and other help at 601 North Frio Street, 210-246-1300.
In an emergency situation, the most immediate source of help is to call 911.
As my good friend, Leon Evans (CHCS Executive Director) says it so well, “We are all fragile.” If you or someone you know is feeling especially fragile this holiday season, I hope that you will reach out if you need help from these resources.
For others, it may be the worst of times—the “holiday blues,” seasonal affect disorder (SAD), or depression can set in. Reports in the news often tell of a person being so distraught, they committed an act of violence against another person or themselves.
In some of those situations, the individual has been diagnosed medically and their issues may be well known to them and their caregivers. Some incidents may stem from abuse of drugs or alcohol.
This year especially, some will face issues new to them, such as a job loss, grief over a family member’s departure, money woes, or a difficult illness. Some of us may feel hopeless and helpless, not enjoy doing the things we usually do, sleep more (or less), feel moody and irritable, or just feel overwhelmed by several things at once.
These are some indicators that it may be time to reach out for help, rather than try to tough it out. Likewise, if a family member or friend is experiencing this kind of slump, it could help to rejuvenate yourself so that you will have the strength and coping skills to help that person if they need you.
Dealing with depression may include counseling with a licensed therapist, antidepressant medication, or a combination of those. For others, pastoral counseling or a support group may be a good approach.
The important point is to be aware when the need for help is triggered, and to seek out resources that offer the right kind of help. The good news is, there are several resources of help available here.
Perhaps you prefer to join a support group or begin a study of self-help and coping mechanisms. Your faith-based community may have resources.
Al-Anon or Alcoholics Anonymous group meetings and literature can be helpful for those who need help with drug and alcohol issues. These confidential groups are also open to those not facing such issues themselves, but seek to learn how to manage and improve their own lives. AA and Al-Anon groups are not about learning how to reform someone else. Although a $1 contribution is customary to attend a meeting; the lack of a dollar is no barrier. The Al-Anon contacts are 210-829-1392 or 888-829-1312 (toll-free); Al-Anon Information Service, P O Box 701436, San Antonio, Texas 78270; and by email SAAIS@yahoo.com. Alcoholics Anonymous offers information at http://www.aasanantonio.org/. Also, AA offers a 24-hour help line at 210-828-6235.
The United Way offers various programs to help with depression, including credit counseling. Their Help Line is 2-1-1, offering information, referral, and brief telephone counseling, on a free and confidential basis. Trained volunteers and staff answer the “211” calls; see also http://www.unitedway.org/worldwide/.
For a higher or more immediate level of assistance, the Center for Healthcare Services (CHCS) offers a Crisis Center help line at 223-7233 (223-SAFE) or 800-316-9241 (see also http://www.chcsbc.org/). CHCS offers priority to residents of Bexar County, and hours of operation vary. The CHCS ”Brady Green” location can provide screening, evaluation and crisis intervention services. CHCS is at 527 N. Leona in San Antonio, just east of the intersection at North Frio Street and Perez Street. A sliding fee scale is available based on ability to pay. For those needing specific help with drug- or alcohol-related issues, the Restoration Center offers intensive outpatient assistance and other help at 601 North Frio Street, 210-246-1300.
In an emergency situation, the most immediate source of help is to call 911.
As my good friend, Leon Evans (CHCS Executive Director) says it so well, “We are all fragile.” If you or someone you know is feeling especially fragile this holiday season, I hope that you will reach out if you need help from these resources.