Health experts see upsurge in depression during Thanksgiving

CHATTANOOGA,Tenn. (WDEF)-  Thanksgiving is Thursday, and health experts are stressing the importance of Thanksgiving depression. 

“This forced sense of happiness, and you feel that you are being left out, almost like social media pressure. And when you see advertisements, you see all these commercials and everybody around you, you just feel as if are you being left out,” said Dr. Anuj Chandra, Medical Director at Advanced Center for Sleep Disorders. 

Around Thanksgiving, individuals may feel anxiety and experience symptoms of sadness.

Dr. Anjali Chandra, Medical expert at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, sees an upsurge in mental health crisis during the holidays. 

“The holiday season does emphasize, the sense of togetherness, celebration, family and for those without social connections or those who have experienced loss, this season can really highlight what is missing in their lives and lead to an increase in that feeling of sadness and isolation,” said Dr Anjali. 

Health experts believe Thanksgiving depression can affect both younger and older adults. 

Dr. Anju says folks can experience various symptoms of depression. 

“Feeling low, lack of energy. You know, appetite issues, either you are eating more, if you are depressed or you are you lose your appetite. Also a lack of social interaction. You know you do not want to do all the activities or pick up the phone and chat with your friend, so it can present with a whole broad range of symptoms,” said Dr. Anuj. 

In order to cope as the holidays come around, folks are encouraged to practice self care and exercise. 

Dr. Anjali says help is also available. 

“I encourage people to proactively be engaged in therapy, because that way they can reach out to their therapist or their counselor as times get tough, and set up more frequent appointments to kind of debrief all that they’re going through during this period,” Dr. Anjali concluded.