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  • Do you look forward to the holidays, only to find yourself depressed? Many people suffer from "holiday depression," making the season anything but jolly. Here are common causes of the holiday blues.

    Money, Money, Money

    Holidays are expensive. With presents and parties, travel and trimmings, it's no surprise that many feel financially strained. You know money issues cause stress in relationships. Could they be causing your holiday stress, too?

    Busy, Busy, Busy

    As if you don't already have enough to do, holidays add to your burden of tasks. Shopping and wrapping, writing cards and entertaining add to stress. Give yourself a break!

    Drama, Drama, Drama

    Holidays are about family. Unfortunately, family isn't always easy to handle. Time with the in-laws, your crazy uncle, criticism and debates can be draining.

    Happy New Year!

    Or, not. We think back and reminisce about the good times, but we also self-evaluate, and we can be self-critical. Then there's the "New Year's resolution" you didn't keep last time. Hope and doubt, fond memories and disappointments can bring you down.

    Good Old Biology

    Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression, is real. Studies show nearly 30 percent of us suffer from it to some extent. It is mainly caused by less daylight, but it can worsen your mood.

    Source:

    Brianna Sullivan, Tabitha W Payne. Affective Disorders and Cognitive Failures: A Comparison of Seasonal and Nonseasonal Depression. The American Journal of Psychiatry. Washington: Nov 2007. Vol. 164, Iss. 11; pg. 1663, 5 pgs

    More Information:

    Why are we so tired in the winter?

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