Depression affects millions of people each year, but hits prison inmates especially hard during the holidays, says Dr. Ruth Bertrand, a San Quentin psychologist.
Depression is also described as feeling down or blue for a prolonged period of time. A Non-Violent Communication facilitator who goes by the name of Renee said the blues occur “when needs are not being met.”
One of the needs that often go unmet is connectedness. As people are decorating their homes, shopping for presents, and gathering with family and friends, fond memorize arise. It’s like “the whole world is happy, but you,” says Renee.
Unable to reconnect, thoughts are intensified and the blues set in. If we continually dwell on the inability to reconnect, a change in the brain’s chemistry occurs, Renee said. This change is referred to as depression.
Depression can be triggered by a multitude of things, she said. It could be a death in the family, loss of a child, divorce, or any number of things. General expectations that go with the Christmas season often trigger symptoms, including:
• Apathy, lack of interest in seasonal activities.
• Low energy and avoidance of exercise and physical activity
• Feeling alone and the sense that “everyone else is enjoying the season but me.”
• Difficulty sleeping or wanting to sleep all the time, decreased appetite.
• Intensified feelings of loss for those who have died or are absent form one’s life, separation from family.
• Anger and agitation about not being able to celebrate in the way one imagines others are doing..
• Excessive rumination about memories and events, both good and bad, from an earlier time.
• Difficulty with anniversaries that occur during the holidays such as birthdays, losses, dates related to one’s crime, arrest, and coming to prison.
• Decreased sense of meaning and value in everyday life which may result in impulsive or rash behavior.
• In the most severe instances, people may develop thoughts of suicide.
Whether you are incarcerated or not, if you are alone during the holidays and feel you are coming down with the holiday blues or depression there are several things you can do, suggests Dr. Bertrand.
Focus on what you can do to honor the season in our own personal way, she said: a gift can be kindness, a conversation, or time spent with someone. Things that come from within are often more valuable than any item from a store.
Bertrand also recommended avoiding spending too much time in your cell, as activity and exercise are important to one’s mental well-being.
You can reach out to a friend, relative, or professional. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength.
