(CNW) A new study indicates financial pressures coupled with the strain of "doing more" during the holiday season are placing already stressed Canadians under considerably more strain.
The comprehensive study that focused on understanding winter
holiday-triggered stress, anxiety and depression symptoms,
polled mental health consumers and family members as well as
doctors from across the country.
"We've known for some time December and January are extremely
stressful months, but what we didn't know was how far-reaching
the effects of holiday stress would be," says  Glenn
Thompson, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association. "This
is the first time researchers have quantified winter holiday
season-related stress anxiety and the occurrence of depression
symptoms."
The study showed added social pressure, financial stress,
raised holiday expectations, an increased feeling of
loneliness, increased family interaction and the
"commercialization of the winter holiday season" topped the
list as catalysts for holiday-related stress and anxiety,
potentially leading to a diagnosis of anxiety or
depression.
Thompson says people experiencing holiday stress are irritable,
lose sleep, lose or gain weight, feel tense with muscle aches
or headaches, and feel overwhelmed.
The study indicated a staggering 76.6 percent of people who
have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression experience a
return or exacerbation of symptoms during the winter holiday
season.
One positive finding in the Holiday Mental Fitness study shows
respondents with an anxiety or depression diagnosis believe
attitudes are changing when it comes to the social stigma
surrounding the use of anti-depressant medication.
A majority of respondents with an anxiety or depression
diagnosis agreed that the prescribed use of anti-depressant or
anti-anxiety medication was more socially acceptable than it
was five years ago.
Of respondents who pursue additional stress-coping strategies,
66.7 percent said they coped with the holiday season by taking
time for themselves.
Other ideas for coping include advance planning for gift
buying, re-emphasizing the spiritual aspects of the holidays,
moderating food and alcohol consumption and restricting the
number of social events.
CMHA tips for reducing holiday stress are:
- Set your priorities. 
- Ask for help.
- Beware of overindulgence.
- Relax…Breathe…Enjoy.
- Remember what the holiday season means to you.
- Learn about others. 
-  Find ways to spend the holidays with other people.
- Put fun, humour, affection and "break time" into
activities that make you laugh.
- Get some light. Research suggests elevated depression
has to do with the weather, especially lack of daylight.
