Festive season may trigger depression and anxiety in vulnerable people beyondblue CEO Kate Carnell AO says the stress and pressures associated with Christmas and New Year celebrations may trigger symptoms of depression and anxiety in vulnerable people.

“For many people, Christmas holidays are a time to have fun, relax and forget about the pressures of the past year. For others, however, the festive season can be a time of stress, overwhelming emotional and financial pressures, disappointment or loneliness.

"While lots of people enjoy exchanging gifts, attending parties and family functions, others can find it a difficult and upsetting time. Even those who look forward to the Christmas holidays sometimes face an anticlimax if their hopes aren’t fulfilled.

“Being alone at Christmas when everyone else seems to be with their families may make vulnerable people feel isolated.

“It can also be a time when many people focus on their losses, for example, family separation as a result of distance, divorce or bereavement. The holiday season tends to magnify the absence of loved ones, bringing back painful memories and strong emotions,” she said.

There are around one million people in Australia with depression and over two million who have an anxiety disorder. Many people with these conditions remain undiagnosed and they don’t seek help because they think any type of mental health problem means they are weak or, alternatively, they think their problems are just part of their personality.

Ms Carnell said: “It’s important that people who are feeling fragile or having a rough time, don’t drink or take drugs to try to make themselves feel better.

Unfortunately, if they have depression or anxiety, it can just make a bad situation worse. Self-medicating out of necessity to cope with social situations, low mood or the symptoms of anxiety is a dangerous pattern to fall into.”

Ms Carnell encourages everyone to think realistically about the holidays.

“If you know you’re likely to find it difficult, plan ahead and make arrangements to spend time with people you like and who can support you.

“If you’re concerned about a friend or family member, common symptoms of depression and anxiety to watch for include a tendency to withdraw from activities, moodiness that’s out of character, doing things more slowly than usual or becoming angry easily. (Check www.beyondblue.org.au for symptoms checklists.)

“There are treatments for depression and anxiety that work.... and there’s no shame in asking for help. The sooner you take action and talk to a health professional, the sooner you’ll be back to your old self. Untreated depression and anxiety can be a contributing factor to serious relationship and family problems, and drug and alcohol problems,” Ms Carnell said.

If you need information over the holiday period about where to get help, call the beyondblue Infoline 1300 22 4636. In a crisis situation, call Lifeline 13 11 14.