One in every four people will experience depression or anxiety sometime in their life and dealing with the condition gets tougher in the festive period.
Psychiatrist Anton Grech said that from his experience the Christmas festivities are especially tough.
“It is not the festivities that bring about depression and anxiety in those already dealing with mental health issues but Christmas amplifies existing symptoms,” he said.
Symptoms also intensify in the run-up to other celebrations, such as birthdays and weddings. This calls for better understanding from their relatives and friends as those dealing with mental health issues are sometimes clinically unable to join in the fun.
Around 17 per cent and nearly a third of the population suffer from depression and anxiety respectively
The incidence of mental health issues is larger than many are aware of, with around 17 per cent and nearly a third of the population suffering from depression and anxiety respectively, sometime in their life.
Dr Grech, who chairs the Mental Health Services noted that one of the symptoms of depression is loneliness. Since around Christmas time families and friends are more likely to get together, this could amplify the feeling of loneliness, especially for those who are socially isolated because of their mental health.
This is exhibited also by those who do have family and friends, but despite being surrounded by people, do not manage to connect with those around them.
Some people are simply not able to find joy and express happiness, he added. “If they are at a party and they cannot feel the joy that those around them are exhibiting, they feel even more depressed.”
Meanwhile, there are some who suffer from what is known as seasonal affective disorder – a type of depression that is related to seasonal changes.
Festivities come around that time of the year when the days are the shortest, but people suffering from this disorder feel more depressed around December whether it is Christmastime or not.
Dr Grech noted that those who know of someone suffering from depression should be aware that this is a difficult time for them.
“There is a tendency of asking people who do not feel like celebrating to ‘come on, get on your feet’ (u ejja qum minn hemm) and enjoy Christmas time.
“Instead, relatives and friends should show people with mental health issues that they know that they are clinically unable to participate, and thus will not force them to ‘have fun’,” he said.
In the meantime, relatives and friends should also ensure that those with mental health issues continued their treatment throughout the festivities.
Dr Grech also urged those who have severe depression to participate in activities organised by the health authorities or mental health associations, tailor-made for people with mental health issues.