University Daily Kansan. December 7, 1982
Blues
From page eighteen
individuals might think, 'Boy, it'd sure be nice to relieve that.'
MARCIA EPSTEIN, director of Headquarters, she said she thought a big reason for Christmas depression was loneliness.
They also agreed that there was little, if any, scientific evidence to support the claims.
"My general impression is that there are a lot of people who get really lonely around the holidays," she said. "And that many of them work hard, worse if there's no family around."
"But there's also no strong evidence against it," Karpowitz said.
But all the counselors agreed that the causes of Christmas depression were as varied and complex as the rest.
Rundquist supported the existence of "Christmas blues."
If the causes of Christmas depression are varied, so also are the remedies.
Rundquist suggested that anyone suffering from the blues should try to do it.
"YOU DEVELOP certain perceptions about something without any hard evidence, but you know damn well it's there." be said.
He suggested civic activity, but he also said that religious involvement was faulty.
HE ALSO said that giving a meaningful gift to an individual or an organization is not only a gesture of kindness, but also
"Anything will work," be said, "as long as it has meaning to the individual and will keep him active so he doesn't just sit around."
If a person's family is absent during the
Christmas season, he said, finding a
suitable place to stay can be difficult.
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Epstein said she thought counseling was important in dealing with the problem.
"I believe in the value of people seeking out someone and realizing its OK and being satisfied."
-Establish some new holiday traditions. They can be as simple as baking cookies and leaving them on a friend's doorstep.
She said that by talking about the problem, an individual might appreciate that he was not the only one suffering from Christmas depression.
—Don't get depressed by things that bring back painful memories. Avoid exposing yourself to these things unless you're prepared to be able to enjoy yourself in spite of them.
—Don't try to do too much. If you do, disappointment can result.
- Do something for someone in need outside your family and circle of friends. Try a charitable organization or, if you prefer, a religious institution.
- KARPOWITZ SUGGESTED a variety of useful methods for dealing with holiday depression:
- Understand that others do not always express their thanks, even when they are thankful. So do not be disappointed if the receiver of a gift doesn't express his
—Establish reasonable expectations. Understand that the holidays will bring some good times and some hassles.
—Don't expect instant holiday friendships from family members with whom you communicate only once a year.
—Don't spend more money than you have. Indebtedness does not bring Christmas joy.
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