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.
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.
-
-
Home Prices Declined the Most in These 10 U.S. Cities in 2022
Home prices fell by amounts not seen in years in several major metro areas.
-
Q4 GDP Beats Expectations: What the Experts Say
GDP The latest GDP report shows that the economy avoided recession last year, but market pros say we might not be so lucky in 2023.
-
A Financial Review in Early 2023 Can Optimize Your Strategy
Look to build savings, reduce risk, minimize taxes and ensure a successful retirement by reviewing your budget, contributions, allocations and beneficiaries.
-
Want to Increase Income? Focusing on 5 Elements Can Help
There are multiple ways to generate income, but to make your money work for you, consider sustainability, maximizing, automation, reinvestment and tax efficiency.
-
Are Annuities Good Investments? Weighing the Pros and Cons
Love ’em or loathe ’em, annuities can be a smart investment tool for the right person under the right circumstances.
-
6 Questions Your Financial Adviser Should be Asking
To effectively help you with your retirement strategy, a retirement professional must get a clear picture of what you have and what you need.
-
Financial Planning Should Be Intergenerational
Overcoming the unspoken rule that money is too taboo a topic to discuss among family members is important going forward. The reality is that families, at some point, will need to be on the same page about wealth planning.
-
In Retirement Planning, What’s Your Retirement Personality?
There are many ways to think about retirement planning, and your personality can influence yours. If your personality and plan match, you have a greater chance of retirement success.
-
Inflation’s Toll: Cuts to Retirement Savings and Health Care
Many consumers struggling to make ends meet amid inflation are reducing retirement planning and health care, both of which can have disastrous results later in life. A professional could help.
-
Considering a Roth IRA Conversion? 6 Reasons It Makes Sense
Avoiding possibly higher taxes in retirement, having no RMDs and the markets being lower are just three reasons to switch to a Roth IRA.
