BNSF News

Depression: The Holiday Season's Unwelcome Visitor

2008-12-15

The holiday season brings with it an amazing array of demands: preparing for visits from family and friends, shopping, decorating the house, attending holiday activities and dozens of other responsibilities.

But the holidays can also bring an unwelcome visitor: depression.

Depression can ruin even a picture-perfect holiday, but there are ways to minimize its effects and enjoy the season.

One of the biggest triggers of depression is expecting the wonder of the holiday season to erase problems with those you love.

"In terms of relationships, nothing magical 'just happens' during the holidays," said Dr. Mark H. Rapaport, chair of the department of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in California. "If you don't get along with your in-laws during the year, you're probably not going to get along with them during the holiday season, either.”

Being realistic about your expectations of holiday cheer – and your relationships – is just one way to minimize seasonal depression. For more ways to manage your mood, see “Enjoying the Season Means Taking Things as They Come” in the What’s New section of the Online Wellness Center.

BNSF Headquarters

For more information on the company and its transportation solutions, visit the BNSF Web site at www.bnsf.com