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Rita Ryan, PhD answered your
questions about the Holiday Blues.
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Grandmom Pat asks:
Our Dad died Christmas eve...We gather and celebrate the Birth of Christ...and
yet mourn our loss...How can we address this loss without depressing
all those we share our Christmas eve with?
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Dr. Ryan responds:
Everyone has their own personal way of dealing with the loss of a loved
one at the holidays. It is extremely important to have ways to cope
in those difficult times.
Allow yourself to be sad. It is normal to feel sad when loved ones are
no longer with you. You can incorporate memories of your loved one into
your holiday traditions by making remembrance ornaments using photos
of your loved one to decorate your tree or home. Remember to take care
of yourself. Knowing that this may be a tough time for you is essential.
Treat yourself to something you enjoy. Read a good book, take a nice
long walk, listen to you favorite music, go out to lunch or dinner with
friends.
Know that it's OK to enjoy yourself.
It is difficult to celebrate when you are
missing someone you love, but getting together
with family and friends is an excellent
opportunity to remember the good times,
and it is OK to relax and have a good laugh.
It's important to celebrate the life of
your loved one. As long as you have memories,
you will always have your loved one with
you. |
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Kathy asks:
Why does my depression come and go? It is like a roller coaster. Sometimes
I feel myself and then I feel so blue, especially lonely.
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Dr. Ryan responds:
Depression is a complicated disorder and there is usually not one single
cause. There is more than one type of depression. In some instances,
it is chronic, more long-lasting. This is referred to as "dysthymia".
Others experience serious depression symptoms which may last for a
few weeks to several months. This is called "major depression."
For many individuals, depression will
occur once in their lives. If you have
experienced an episode of depression, you
are more likely to experience further episodes
of depression than someone who has never
been depressed. Approximately one half
of the people who have an initial episode
of depression will have another episode
within 10 years. On the other hand, this
does not mean that you will suffer from
it again. Most people with depression recover
and go on to lead satisfied, productive
lives.
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 Rita
Ryan, PhD, received her Master's Degree
from West Chester University, and was awarded
a Ph.D. from the Union Institute and University.
Dr. Ryan completed her fellowship at The Center
for Cognitive Therapy, University of Pennsylvania
School of Medicine. She is a practicing Clinical
Psychologist and is currently a Clinical Associate
Professor at the University of Pennsylvania
School of Medicine.
Dr. Ryan is a member of
the American Psychological Association and
The Academy of Cognitive Therapy. She brings
with her a wealth of more than 16 years of
experience. She specializes in patients with
major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder,
panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder
in addition to many other areas of treatment.
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