Did you know there is a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder? “SAD” (no pun intended) is when people get depressed during certain seasons of the year. For most, the fall and winter are the most difficult times of the year. The shorter exposure to sunlight is often believed to be the trigger.
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional who specializing in working with widows and divorcees, I find that they tend to be the saddest around the holidays, for obvious reasons. Most might have a heightened feeling of the loss they have suffered in their lives, starting around Thanksgiving.
To help, as a person who has lost her spouse and started the long journey to heal, I wanted to shed some light on the subject.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Be aware of the signs
Those who are depressed typically lose interest in things they love and can withdraw socially. They commonly have very low energy levels. They might also have trouble sleeping or more likely have a desire to sleep too much. Changes in weight might results from depression. An inability to make decisions might also occur.
Substance abuse can be something serious to watch out for. Damaged relationships with friends, family and co-workers might arise. Some individuals may even have suicidal thoughts.
I point these signs out because, if collectively we are on the lookout for those struggling with severe depression, we can better help those who are in true need of assistance.
Get help
Doctors have many different specialties in this area and can be of great assistance. Do not hesitate to get help if a loved one, or yourself, is showing signs of depression. Therapy and/or medications might be the solution.
Religious leaders not only help with funerals and other things, but they can be wonderful listeners. Plus, being reminded that God is with us every step of the way can be incredibly uplifting. Knowing this and praying can truly can be the best medicine.
Grief or support groups can be therapeutic. Although no situation is exactly the same, others who are suffering from or have struggled with depression can be great shoulders to cry on. Sometimes friends or family members are helpful, but unless they have had their own issues, they might not truly understand what someone is dealing with. A specific group with similar struggles might be what is needed.
Even a financial planner can help talk about money and other things that often can add stress to one’s life, especially if the deceased spouse or ex-husband/ex-wife managed the finances. For many, they do not have the knowledge, desire or even time to manage their investments for or in retirement. Involving an expert who is patient to work with a person who is distraught about things, including money, can be such a relief.
Remember, you are never alone. Depression is very common, and all of us will suffer from it to some degree in our lives. Although the holidays are a joyful season for most, they can be extremely sad times for others. Please make an extra effort to reach out to those who might be struggling, starting this November.
Disclaimer
Securities and Advisory Services offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser and Member FINRA/SIPC. HMS Financial Group and Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. are separate entities.
-
What Wall Street's CEOs Are Saying About Trump's TariffsWe're in the thick of earnings season and corporate America has plenty to say about the Trump administration's trade policy.
-
The Role of the U.S. Dollar in Retirement: Is It Secure?Protect your retirement from de-dollarization, because “capital always goes where it is treated best."
-
To Stay on Track for Retirement, Consider Doing ThisWriting down your retirement and income plan in an investment policy statement can help you resist letting a bear market upend your retirement.
-
How to Make Changing Interest Rates Work for Your RetirementHigher (or lower) rates can be painful in some ways and helpful in others. The key is being prepared to take advantage of the situation.
-
Within Five Years of Retirement? Five Things to Do NowIf you're retiring in the next five years, your to-do list should contain some financial planning and, according to current retirees, a few life goals, too.
-
The Home Stretch: Seven Essential Steps for Pre-RetireesThe decade before retirement is the home stretch in the race to quit work — but there are crucial financial decisions to make before you reach the finish line.
-
Three Options for Retirees With Concentrated Stock PositionsIf a significant chunk of your portfolio is tied up in a single stock, you'll need to make sure it won't disrupt your retirement and legacy goals. Here's how.
-
Four Reasons It May Be Time to Shop for New InsuranceYou may be unhappy with your insurance for any number of reasons, so once you've decided to shop, what is appropriate (or inappropriate) timing?
-
Before You Invest Like a Politician, Consider This DilemmaAs apps that track congressional stock trading become more popular, investors need to take into consideration some caveats.
-
How to Put Together Your Personal Net Worth StatementNow that tax season is over for most of us, it's the perfect time to organize your assets and liabilities to assess your financial wellness.
