The holiday season is upon us in Western New York. It is associated with joyful traditions, snow-dusted landscapes, festive lights in neighborhoods, the aroma of fresh baked cookies and gatherings around the fireplace.

But life for many in the region this time of year is a wave of loneliness and stress called the holiday blues. Of course, they can be anywhere but it has been a difficult year for many of our friends, neighbors and family members, so it’s easy to get depressed. With inflation and food costs constantly climbing and grocery shopping breaking your budget. In some cases loved ones have relocated for better opportunities.

This separation from family members can make the holidays particularly lonely and depressing.

All of these factors make it difficult to be in the holiday spirit. For some people the holidays can be a painful period of reflection, loneliness, anxiety and depression.

This kind of sadness is known informally as holiday blues or holiday depression. Who gets the holiday blues? Anyone. Even those who love the holiday season can experience the holiday blues.

The season’s demands of family, bills, travel, gatherings, parties, shopping, gifts, decorations, and spending money you may not have, leaves many people stressed and exhausted. Then add to this the emotional aspect of special days that have meaning personally. And it’s a recipe for depression.

People with prior mental health conditions may be particularly prone to holiday depression. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 64% of people with an existing mental illness report that the holidays make the condition worse. The most common symptoms of holiday depression is a persistent or recurring feeling of sadness that begins during the holiday season and don’t forget to add in harsh weather.

There are warning signs of holiday depression. They include changes in appetite, changes in weight, changes in sleep patterns, just plain irritable, difficulty concentrating, feeling of worthlessness, feeling of guilt over any number of things, feeling more tired than usual, loss of pleasure doing things you used to enjoy.

Despite all these signs of depression, it’s quite possible feeling sad during the winter and holidays months may also be a sign of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or a major depressive disorder (MDD) that occurs in seasonal patterns during certain months particularly winter months where your cooped up inside or as some call it cabin fever. So how do you treat these signs of depression or mental illnesses? Are there prescription drugs for this? The answer is no, there is not.

Do you need to see a doctor or see a shrink. It can’t hurt, but choosing a doctor, should be one who specializes in mental health and if possible a background dealing with holiday depression. This is certainly the time of year with company parties, social events and shopping and in most situations having a drink is not uncommon. But when deciding whether to drink there are several things to consider.

Any drinks in moderation can’t be bad unless you’re driving. Because if you get stopped and fail a sobriety test, life as you know it is over. You’re looking at a big fine, insurance increase and possibly jail. The old saying of drinking to drown your sorrows could end up costing you a lot of money and really make you depressed.

I’m certainly not suggesting that at an event, party or with friends that you can’t have a drink, just don’t over do it. I don’t believe you should have to change your normal routine.

If you feel a mood swing coming on try to avoid pitfalls. If you feel the person you were meeting or the place you were going has a negative vibe to it then scrap those plans and find something positive to do.

When I decided to write this it was because I lost a friend who was a victim of holiday depression and lost his life. When you lose someone you loved or a good friend during the holidays, it’s important to stay in touch with everyone. I don’t know for sure but I should have made time to talk with him and hear what was bothering him. It may be all they need is someone to talk to. The same goes for you if you’re feeling depressed talk to someone.

Here is my formula to beat the holiday blues. First, love yourself before you can love someone else, it starts with you. Remember no one can help you unless you’re willing to help yourself.

Next you need to surround yourself with friends and family who know you. Why them? Because they are more likely to accept you unconditionally and not be judgmental. Stay busy and volunteer your time to help at a food bank or someone less fortunate then yourself. It will leave you with a good feeling.

I’m not a doctor, but I do speak from experience. I don’t have all the answers, but everyday is a new beginning and a chance to be positive and pay it forward with someone you know. I know I feel better writing this with hopes that it helps even one person. Well I hope all the psychology courses I took in college were worth it in writing this. If after reading this anyone wants someone to talk to or listen to non-judgmental I am available. I would not miss the opportunity to help anyone feeling depressed or having holiday blues.

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season.

David Rice is a correspondent for the Westfield Republican and a Mayville resident.