Post-holiday blues?

If you’re experiencing regular headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite and strong feelings of nostalgia, you could be suffering from post-holiday depression.

The post-holiday blues usually wears off after a few weeks for most of us, but some people experience it more intensely for a prolonged period if not managed with care.

Mariska van Aswegen, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics – a generics firm specialising in antidepressants – says more than a quarter of Americans suffer annually from post-holiday depression, which is believed to be much the same for South Africans too.

‘Almost everyone is subject to post-holiday depression, especially if it’s been a long and pleasurable holiday. Getting back on track after having to swap the beach and blue skies for the view of your laptop in a stuffy office is tough and it’s completely normal to experience dips in mood, motivation and energy for the first few weeks.

‘However, for some, post-holiday depression can result in a feeling that you no longer want to keep doing what you’re doing and all you can think of is making a change to your life to better your situation. Often, if action isn’t taken or the situation doesn’t improve, these thoughts can consume you and lead to major distress and debilitating depression,’ she says.

To help ease your way into regular life again and combat post-holiday blues, Van Aswegen suggests the following:

 Share your holiday experiences with family and friends or look at photos and souvenirs – reliving the holidays offers a sense of comfort.

 If you really enjoyed a particular holiday spot or activity, start planning your next getaway and/or purchase equipment needed to enjoy the activity more often. This offers a distraction and gives you something to look forward to.

 Don’t dwell on the negative – stress and disappointment can get you down. Try to make a conscious effort to be positive about your life.

 It’s important to unplug or disconnect every now and then. Your brain needs a break from the constant demands that phone calls, e-mails, SMSes, Tweets and other forms of social media place upon it.

 Feed your body and mind with a healthy diet and daily exercise. This might also help you achieve some of your goals for the new year, while setting you on a path of health and happiness. Exercise releases endorphins (the feel good hormones) which will instantly lift your mood.

‘Another theory behind post-holiday depression is the “let down effect”, which is described as a condition where high energy levels in the body are followed by a rapid decline in activation levels. The highs you experienced during the holidays may leave you feeling depleted physically and mentally once you go back to work,’ says Van Aswegen. ‘If your blues don’t lift after a few weeks back at work, consider reaching out to your family, friends or a mental health professional.’

Bankmed support

If you think you may be be suffering from stress or depression, the Bankmed Online Stress Assessment can help you assess your mental-health status. It is available on the Bankmed website at www.bankmed.co.za.