U. Kentucky: Stress, holidays cause seasonal depression.

(From University Wire)

Byline: Leslie Camody

With the holidays fast approaching, many college students are sucked in by the winter blues.

"The holidays can be a sad time for some students, particularly if they have recent losses such as the death of a loved one, or parents divorcing or a move away from the family home," says Mary Bolin-Reece, director of the University of Kentucky Counseling and Testing Center.

Depression is a very serious illness that can cause a person to struggle in his or her social activities, work or daily life. The National Institute of Mental Health states that there are nearly 18.8 million Americans over 18 years old who suffer from major depression.

The traditions surrounding the holiday season can also place undue pressure on students, Bolin-Reece says.

"Our culture places so much value also on purchasing or receiving the 'perfect' gift, which places quite a financial burden on students and others with limited financial and time resources," she says. "Some students may worry about disappointing someone, or about being disappointed." There are many different forms of depression, but around Christmastime, some students are affected by a form of depression known as seasonal affective disorder.