I think the idea to hibernate during the holidays in a great idea. This is a way in which we can choose to stay in our comfort zone and nurture ourselves during a time of year when the focus is often on scurrying preparations and trying to make everything perfect. I have found that, often, attempting to go out in the world and socialize during a depressive episode can be extremely trying, and I for one often feel worse once I get home and realize everything is still the same. If you're giving everyone else a gift during the holidays, why not give this gift to yourself and allow yourself a time alone to contemplate? Just relaxing and thinking can be a healing process. So, I guess my point is, Cynthia, maybe your idea is not so crazy but is possibly more natural one than most of the typical holiday advice.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the festive season occurs during the winter, so the reduced amount of sunlight, and hours of daylight causes a lowering of vitamin D3 levels (see http://vitaminDcouncil.org & http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/12/16/my-one-hour-vitamin-d-lecture-to-clear-up-all-your-confusion-on-this-vital-nutrient.aspx ) which can cause, or exacerbate depression. Those people with the lowest levels of calciferol (vitamin D3) are 11 times more likely to be depressed (Mercola.com). The lowered light levels may induce Seasonal Affective Disorder (view http://your-mental-health.8m.com/blank_27.html ). Bright light treatment is often helpful in treating this disorder. In the Southern hemisphere, it is midsummer, so such things pose no problem; rather it is stress. Dealing with relatives that you may not really like, (you can choose your friends, but not so with relatives, and there are sometimes alcohol fuelled arguments) and preparing food, drinks, and taking care of the hordes that descend upon you can be highly stressful. In many households, people now opt not to slave over hot stoves preparing traditional meals, but have seafood, and salads, or cold collations instead. I am wondering whether the subconscious need to avoid, or minimise such stressors may be adding to the desire to hibernate?
Cynthia W. Lubow, MFT
Depression and PTSD Specialist
For 25 years, compassionately helping women heal from depression, and it's
destructive criticism, losses and traumas, while building self-acceptance and confidence.
