Title: Holiday Depression: Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Coping
Headings: What Are the Holiday Blues?
What Are the Holiday Blues?
What Are the Holiday Blues?
Signs & Symptoms
Holiday Depression vs. SAD
Diagnosis
Causes
Treatment
Coping
Drink Only in Moderation
Don’t Isolate Yourself
Exercise Regularly
Learn to Say 'No'
Find Time for Yourself
Set Realistic Expectations
How to Get Help
A Word From Verywell

Content: Some people might feel down periodically, but experience brief periods of feeling more upbeat. Some signs of holiday depression might include: 2
Changes in appetite or weight
Changes in sleep patterns
Depressed or irritable mood
Difficulty concentrating
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Feeling more tired than usual
Feeling tense, worried, or anxious
Loss of pleasure in doing things you used to enjoy
Holiday Depression vs. SAD
Feeling sad during the winter and holiday months may also be a sign of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a form of major depressive disorder (MDD) that occurs in seasonal patterns during certain months of the year. Holiday depression and SAD can be difficult to distinguish from one another, but the duration and severity of your symptoms are usually your best clues: Duration: The holiday blues start around November or December and lift shortly after the new year ends. SAD, however, typically lasts about 40% of the year—starting in the late fall and early winter and going away during the spring and summer. Symptom severity: The symptoms of holiday depression are fairly mild.