ABEL

The Yuletide season is a joyous time of the year when a majority of families get together and be merry. But, for some people, Christmas can be a period filled with loneliness and depression.

Consultant psychiatrist, Dr. Wendel Abel, says, "Christmas is a time of festivity when people are expected to socialise more and spend time indulging in a lot of spending, including purchasing gifts, refurbishing house, among other things."

He noted that it is a period of heightened expectations when people expect to receive and give gifts.

But this season, he said, "Can make persons vulnerable when they are alone and without family and friends." Dr. Abel also noted that the grieving period for persons who have lost loved ones usually intensifies during this period.

Unemployment and redundancy, he said, can also result in persons feeling depressed, as they are unable to buy gifts for the family.

How does a person deal with the holidays when he or she has just experienced a recent tragedy, death or romantic break-up?

If you're feeling really out of sorts because of any of these chronic or current stressors, you may want to avoid some of the festivities because they are so out of sync with how you're feeling. Try to tell those around you what you really need, since they may not know how to help you, and ask for their understanding if you decline an activity.