Griffin Speaks

Holidays should be joyful and full of pleasure, however for many people sadness falls upon them and they become terribly lonely. These terrible sad and lonely feelings are commonly called holiday blues or holiday depression. 

While you can experience holiday blues or depression during any holiday it most commonly occurs during the Christmas season. What causes the holiday blues? Medical experts at the University of Maryland tells us that increased stress, fatigue, change in daily routines, change in diet, unrealistic expectations, inability to be with family, over commercialization and memories of past holiday celebrations are all contributing factors to the cause of the holiday blues. 

How do you know if you are suffering from the holiday blues? Symptoms of the holiday blues may include decreased interest in activities that ordinarily bring pleasure: entertainment, hobbies, food, sex, friends and work. You can make it through this period by finding someone to talk to, such as a family member, minister, friend, physician or professional mental health counselor. 

Today December 8, 2003 I am experiencing the holiday blues, but mine set upon me because my brother is critically ill in the hospital. My brother, Melvin Jr. (Mann) is a juvenile diabetic. He was nine years old when he was diagnosed with diabetes. Thirty-eight years later at age forty-seven he is in a deep coma and fighting for his life after suffering a massive stroke. My family and I ask that you pray for my brother and the other patients in the surgical intensive care unit along with him. 

Greg Griffin is a freelance writer. You can read his previous articles by visiting his web page at www.greggriffin.com