Stress, fatigue contribute
to holiday depression

By Helen Altonn
Star-Bulletin

The Mental Health Association in Hawaii is getting a lot of calls from people who feel depressed -- and it expects more during the holiday season.

People are asking, "Am I facing a major depression or is it seasonal blues?" said Paula Heim, the association's education director. They want to know if it's temporary, she said.

She believes the state's ailing economy, coupled with the holiday season, is causing mental health problems.

Of 239 people screened for depression Oct. 8 at nine sites, the association recommended that 29 percent see a doctor or therapist, Heim said. "That is very high."

"A lot of people are calling with concerns that they have depression. They're trying to identify it so they can get some help."

She said people are more comfortable seeking help because of the association's mental health awareness and education efforts, which have reduced the stigma.

"I think people are more likely to talk about it and ask for help rather than self-medicate or turn to alcohol."

Heim said "holiday blues" can be caused by stress and fatigue, unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization and absence from family. It can be a time of anxiety and loneliness, of reflection on failures, she said. "The way the economy is going, we're probably going to get a lot more (calls) this year."

For someone who is under stress or depressed or knows someone who is, the association advises:

Don't try to make this the best holiday ever. Set goals for yourself and be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Every holiday is different with its own special joy. Don't be disappointed if your holidays are not like they used to be.

If you can't be with family members, call them often and spend time with friends who care about you.

Find quiet time for yourself to renew your body and mind. Don't spend all your time providing activities for your friends and family. Be good to yourself, too.

The association has a form people can use to screen themselves if they think they need help, Heim said. "We can send it to them or go through it on the phone with them."

For information, call a Community Mental Health Center:

Oahu: Central and Leeward areas, 455-1035; Diamond Head, 733-9240; Kalihi-Palama, 832-5770; Waianae, 696-4211; Windward, 233-3775.

Big Island: 974-4300.

Kauai: 274-3190.

Maui: 984-2150.

For help with a crisis, call the local Crisis Line: Oahu, 521-4555; Big Island, 935-3393; Maui, 244-7407.

For information or other assistance, call the Mental Health Association -- Oahu, 521-1846; Big Island, 965-6601; Kauai, 246-9726; Maui, 242-6461.