Help available for ‘holiday blues’

Scott N. Giarman – special to the garden island

It’s safe to say that most of us lucky enough to live here on our extraordinary Garden Island would agree it is the most wonderful spot on the planet — not just the incredible natural beauty we enjoy but the people of our island who care about one another, embody aloha and demonstrate that the true spirit of Hawaii is alive and well. From our host culture, the Hawaiians (to whom we owe eternal gratitude), to those who immigrated from all over the world in the last century and a half to newcomers — we all sacrifice to be here, enduring relative isolation, a high cost of living and low wages. Why? Because Kaua‘i means so very much to us, and that gives this island a vibrancy like no place else in the world.

Despite this, few would claim that Kaua‘i doesn’t have its share of social problems. As our island’s umbrella charitable organization, Kaua‘i United Way has a unique and valuable perspective on these issues. We have offered to write a series of articles discussing social problems facing Kaua‘i and highlighting the work of the various excellent social service organizations that offer professional help to those in need on our island.

With the holidays fast approaching, this first article will focus on the so-called “holiday blues” — a feeling of depression, sadness, fatigue and frustration that confront many of us. Perversely, the pressure to feel joyous and “in the holiday spirit” often has the opposite effect. Being forced to interact with difficult family members, mourning others who are no longer with us and the pressure to give gifts when money is tight — especially difficult during the current difficult economy — combine to leave many of us far from feeling festive during the period from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.

It is important to understand that these feelings are normal and usually subside once the holidays are over. Simply living sensibly — not over-indulging in rich food and alcohol, getting adequate rest and exercise — does help.

If you or someone you know seem especially troubled by such holiday blues, talk to someone — a friend, family member, clergyman or other professional. (Places where you can seek professional help are provided later in this article.)

It is also important to understand the difference between relatively routine holiday blues and clinical depression. The American Psychological Association (www.apa.org) defines clinical depression as a lingering feeling of extreme sadness and/or hopelessness lasting more than two weeks that interferes with daily activities such as eating and sleeping. For those suffering from underlying depression or other mental illness, the holiday blues can be dangerous. If you or someone you know is suffering from depression or other mental illness, seek help immediately. Fortunately, modern treatment is often quite effective.

It is always better to address such issues before they become severe, so if you suspect a problem may be growing, seek help.

Minors can receive help through their school’s Mokihana Project or by calling the Department of Education at 274-3500.

If you or someone you know needs help dealing with anything from a mild case of the holiday blues to full-blown depression, contact your physician or caseworker right away. Kaua‘i United Way agencies Friendship Club (821-4480) and Mental Health Kokua (632-0466) are there to help. Child & Family Service (245-5914) also has counselors who can be of assistance.

In addition, there is a 24-hour service run by the State Department of Health that is always available to help. That number is (800) 753-6879. Professionals at this number are able to counsel callers on the phone and refer them to immediate help near them.

The Kaua‘i Community Health Center — 274-3190, located at 3-3212 Kuhio Highway, across from Two Frogs — also takes “walk-ins” and can guide clients through their options, depending on the severity of the problem and insurance.

In case of an extreme emergency — if, and only if, someone is apparently in imminent danger of hurting themselves or someone else — call 911.