Therapists warn against holiday depression

Holidays can be overwhelming for many this time of year, leading to depression or worse.

Clinical social worker Aaron Schearrer has spent a lot of time helping people through their problems and understanding the suicidal warnings that many sweep under the rug.

“We have the good Christian, pull up your boot straps and roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty … get to work. I think there’s something to be said about a culture that finds it difficult to ask for help,” he said.

Schearrer said during the holidays, asking for help can become much more difficult.

“I mean it’s darker, it’s colder. People are isolating and withdrawing, and then you combine that with clinical depression,” he said.

Schearrer said the symptoms aren’t always noticeable, so for most people paying more attention means knowing what to look for.

He said people should pay attention to “sadness, loss of interest, changes in appetite, sleep pattern, self-esteem, ability to focus, things of that nature.”

If you, or someone you know, are having feelings of hopelessness and depression, someone at the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline is just a phone call away. The number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).