By Marty Kernion, Ph.D.
QUESTION:
This time of the year can be very sad. The holidays should be joyful, not sad. But it seems as though December brings back a lot of memories of loss. I often feel down, angry and stressed out. What can I do to help get through this month?
ANSWER:
Most people who ask this question actually ask how they can manage stress. And not all stress is sadness by any means. But the person who asks this question is very insightful. They realize that feeling “blue” can feel and appear differently in different people. Most people don’t think that anger can result from feeling down. For some it is anger, fatigue or a lack of ability to concentrate. For others it’s feeling down in the dumps or experiencing a lack of appetite. For some it’s out-of-control eating or drinking or other addictions. And women are twice as likely to have these feelings than are men.
So how do holiday blues develop and even take over at times? There are many causes. Often our trigger is grief. We remember our loved ones who have passed. We have fond memories. Sometimes idealized memories. At times we might also feel that our current life circumstances just don’t measure up to those memories. Sometimes the holidays can bring up unresolved issues in families.
Many times, we may even have a nutrient deficiency. Because of heredity, diet, medications and many other factors, we all have different requirements for levels of specific nutrients that can even fluctuate within the individual from day to day. Often it’s a B vitamin deficiency. If you are taking any B vitamins, make sure you are taking all the B complex, since an imbalance even amongst those little critters can cause trouble! And during the holidays we are definitely more prone to hearing those cookies, pies and cakes calling our names. Sometimes these stressed out feelings can even be caused by an imbalance of hormones such as reproductive or thyroid hormones, or blood sugar imbalances. An overworked liver can also be the culprit.
In case you haven’t come to this conclusion already, looking at the cause of holiday blues is the first and most important step. As is always the case with a holistic, natural approach, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all remedy.
Starting new traditions during the holidays and reaching out to others in need can be extremely healing and help alleviate Seasonal Affective Disorder (that’s no coincidence that the initials for that disorder are SAD!). An attitude of gratitude about all the things for which we can feel grateful always helps us put things in perspective as well. Bright lights can keep our spirits up. Exercise can lift our mood due to the increase of feel-good hormones and more oxygen to the brain.
Whatever the cause, don’t give up! There might be a remedy or strategy personalized to your needs that can truly make a difference in your life and the lives of the ones you love. And something to remember—focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
Marty Kernion, Ph.D. is not a medical doctor. She has a doctorate in naturopathy. Naturopathy uses natural, gentle ways to bring our bodies back into balance so that they have the God-given ability to heal themselves. She is a retired professor of herbal medicine and nutrition and has written 39 college level courses in natural approaches to health. She has published two books on natural health. She can be reached on askdoctormarty@cox.net for scheduling a class or consultation, or for sending in your questions for this column.
