Text Box: Many factors can cause the "holiday blues:" stress, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, financial constraints, and the inability to be with one's family and friends. The demands of shopping, parties, family reunions and house guests also contribute to feelings of tension. People may also develop other stress responses such as headaches, excessive drinking, overeating and difficulty sleeping. Coping with Stress & Depression during the Holidays Keep expectations for the holiday season manageable. Try to set realistic goals for yourself. Pace yourself. Organize your time. Make a list and prioritize the important activities. Don't put the entire focus on just one day. Remember that it's a season of holiday sentiment, and activities can be spread out to lessen stress and increase enjoyment. Remember the holiday season does not banish reasons for feeling sad or lonely; there is room for these feelings to be present, even if the person chooses not to express them.  Leave "yesteryear" in the past and look toward the future. Life brings changes. Each season is different and can be enjoyed in its own way. Don't set yourself up by comparing today with the "good ol' days." Do something for someone else. Try volunteering some of your time to help others. Enjoy activities that are free, such as taking a drive to look at holiday decorations, going window shopping or making a snowperson with children. Be aware that excessive drinking will only increase your feelings of depression. Try something new. Celebrate the holidays in a new way. Spend time with supportive and caring people. Reach out and make new friends, or contact someone you haven't heard from in a while. Save time for yourself! Recharge your batteries! Let others share in the responsibility of planning activities.    Source: Mental Health America.   

Winter 2008-09
Text Box: Stress, Depression and the Holidays

Grassroots Empowerment Project, Inc. (GEP) is Wisconsin’s only statewide non-profit organization that is controlled and directed by mental health consumers. 

90% of the Board of Directors and 100% of the staff are people with mental illness. 

We are funded by the State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, Bureau of Community Mental Health with federal Mental Health Block Grant dollars.

 

Facts about Mental Illness

 

FACT:

More than 54 million Americans have a mental disorder in any given year, although fewer than 8 million seek treatment. 

FACT:

Depression and anxiety disorders — the two most common mental illnesses — each affect 19 million American adults annually. 

FACT: 

Approximately 12 million women in the United States experience depression every year. This is roughly twice the rate of depression in men. 

FACT:

Depression greatly increases the risk of developing heart disease.  People with depression are four times more likely to have a heart attack than those with no history of depression .

FACT: 

One percent of the population (more than 2.5 million Americans) has schizophrenia. 

FACT: 

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, affects more than 2 million Americans. 

FACT:

The majority of people living with severe mental illness have incomes lower than $8,000 per year. 

FACT: 

People with mental illness can and do become empowered, begin a path toward recovery, and return to a productive life.  

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Grassroots Empowerment Project presents
Text Box: Creating opportunities for people with mental illness to exercise power in their lives