FROM TODAY'S READING (12/23/2014)...
Some causes of stress and depression during Christmas
1. Absence of a beloved person...The absence of a beloved person during the holidays creates feelings of loneliness and regret. Additionally people who feel loneliness and depression when they see other people having a good time, then the situation is getting worse.
2. Family misunderstandings...Conflicts and stressed relations in several cases come to the surface this time of the year. Usually people want to gather the whole family together for Christmas, but everyone has plans and sometimes there is conflict because people prefer to spend the holidays in their own home..
There is also the possibility that people have high expectations these days from other people. People might expect perfect conditions with expensive gifts and positive response by all. This is not usually the case and this increases the chances to feel disappointed and the risk of sadness and depression are increased.
3. The economic difficulties..Many families, for various reasons face financial difficulties, especially nowadays that the economy is under recession. The holidays add an extra burden to their already tight budget. It is likely that there is no available money to buy gifts, presents or clothes for Christmas. As a result some people even use more money than they can actually afford and this worsens their financial situation even more.
4. Physical tiredness...One of the main reasons that the holidays bring with them intense stress is that suddenly there are many requirements and people have to do many things in a short period of time. Even when the activities are basically pleasant and enjoyable, they are a change from the daily routine that people are used to, and this situation is pushing the person to do more things than it can normally do. Shopping, the need for finding gifts, participation in various social events and obligations, the preparation of Christmas dishes and other sweets all create stress and fatigue.
5. Loneliness...For many people, especially the elderly, the loneliness is a real issue during the holidays. They may not have someone to sit with them in the dinner table; they may not even have a festive table or even people to speak. Many old people also have no friends, either because they are ill or because they are no longer alive. But younger people, who rely only to friends, can be found alone and without invitation during the holidays. These situations create perfect candidates for depression.
6. Seasonal Emotional Disturbance...A real psychological problem, which coincides with the period of holidays, but unfortunately is not so easily recognized, is the seasonal emotional disorder. This disorder occurs when autumn gives way to winter. As daylight is reduced and people spend more time inside, they are affected by a form of depression that is known as a “seasonal emotional disorder”. Although it is a mild form of depression it is annoying and affects the person who is suffering from it. It creates a source of anxiety and worry at a time when the general expectation is that everybody should be happy.
- Author Unknown
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NLT) All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.
