Holiday Myth: Depression & suicide

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From NAMI (www.nami.org)

Holiday Myth:
Depression & Suicide

Despite traditional media stories of an increase in suicides during the holiday season each year, research shows that there is actually a decrease in suicides during the months of December and January.

According to a study conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania, this false perception was perpetuated by at least two thirds of the news stories for the end-of-year holiday period in 1999-2000. Dr. Daniel Romer led the study to show that the implication by the media that suicide rates increase during the holiday season is incorrect.

Research into suicide patterns began as early as the end of the nineteenth century. Back in the late 1800s, Enrico Morselli studied suicide in Europe and found that 17 out of 18 countries showed an increase in suicide rates during the spring and summer months. More recently, Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison, author of
Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide (1999), found a similar pattern in a 1995 study. July has the highest rate, followed by August. December and January typically have two of the lowest rates of suicide during the year.

However, there is still concern for certain mental health disorders during the winter months. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a disorder in which a lack of sunlight can lead to depression, which is especially a problem during the long winter months. Some symptoms are lack of energy, a decrease in productivity, the need for unusual amounts of sleep, feelings of depression, and an increase in appetite. If you think you or someone you know suffers from SAD, consult a doctor. Some treatments effective in combating SAD are a balanced diet, including lots of fruits and vegetables, and consistent exercise, especially outside in the morning hours when the sun is at its strongest.

Many depressive episodes begin in winter, but reach the point of maximum risk in the early spring, when mood seems to be improving and energy returns, including energy to act on lingering suicidal thoughts. But watching out -- and reaching out -- to family and friends during the holidays is still important.

To find out more about Seasonal Affective Disorder, visit the NAMI Web site.