Hospital Highlights

Holiday Blues

It is that time of year when we come together with friends and families to celebrate the holidays. It can be a joyous time for many yet there are also those who experience sadness during the holiday season. There are a number of things you can do to cope with the sadness. Exercise can help lift your mood – and help you tackle the after-effects of too many calories. It is the basis for a healthy lifestyle – and something we need more of in our hospital service area. We have higher rates of inactivity and obesity than the Washington state average.

Do think about what’s important to you. Happiness and fulfillment lie in the balance between self-care and caring for others. Sometimes that means being around others – and other times it means saying “no”. Pace yourself – and slow down.

Symptoms of Depression – The National Institutes of Mental Health experts suggest that you seek professional help if you experience five or more of these symptoms every day for two weeks. If you have recurring thoughts of death or suicide, you should get help immediately.

Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood

Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness

Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex

Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed down”

Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping

Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain

Restlessness, irritability

Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain Source: http://www.umm.edu/features/holiday_blues.htm#ixzz2FQA4mbuP Follow us: @UMMC on Twitter | MedCenter on Facebook

If you find yourself persistently sad and you can’t shake it, do seek help from a professional. There are many treatment options including counseling and medications that are available to help you.

Debbie Glass, CEO

Whitman Hospital and Medical Center