Around this time of the year, most people are in pretty good spirits, but that’s not always the case, an expert said earlier this week.
The most depressing day of the year — Jan. 17 — is still few weeks away, but even now, when everything is supposed to be merry and bright, this time of year can be distressing for some, said Hymie Anisman, professor in the department of neuroscience at Carleton University.
“The majority of people are whistling and singing and they’re OK,” said Anisman. But for others, the holidays can be miserable.
“For some people, shopping is not a pleasant experience. They don’t like crowds, and they don’t like noise,” said Anisman, whose area of expertise is stress and coping.
“For others, this time of year means family commitments they don’t want to go to. Other people feel overwhelming loneliness when everyone around them is apparently feeling happy and they’re left by themselves.”
One of the methods of coping is social support, said Anisman.
And around the holidays, it can be very apparent when a person doesn’t have one.
“There may be feelings of loneliness. You feel like an outsider.”
And if a person has suffered a loss in the preceding year, the holidays can serve as a negative reminder that they’re not here … Christmas can act as a trigger to cruddy feelings.”
People who already suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder can find their conditions exacerbated by this time of year, said Anisman.
