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.
-
Four Surprising Signs You’ll Never Retire (and How to Fix Them)Gearing up to retire? If any of these four signs ring true, you may want to make some changes before you do.
-
Stocks Rise After Trump-Powell Fed Tour: Stock Market TodayNvidia hit a new all-time high intraday, but another renowned semiconductor name and some less iconic stocks were bigger movers Friday.
-
How Divorced Retirees Can Maximize Their Social Security Benefits: A Case StudySusan discovered several years after she filed for Social Security that she is eligible to receive benefits based on her ex-spouse's earnings record. This case study explains how her new benefits are calculated and what her steps are to claim some of the money she missed.
-
From Piggy Banks to Portfolios: A Financial Planner's Guide to Talking to Your Kids About Money at Every AgeFrom toddlers to young adults, all kids can benefit from open conversations with their parents about spending and saving. Here's what to talk about — and when.
-
I'm an Investment Pro: Here's How Alternatives Could Inject Stability and Growth Into Your PortfolioAlternative investments can often avoid the impact of volatility, counterbalancing the ups and downs of stocks and bonds during times of market stress.
-
A Financial Planner's Guide to Unlocking the Power of a 529 Plan529 plans are still the gold standard for saving for college, especially for affluent families, though they are most effective when combined with other financial tools for a comprehensive strategy.
-
An Investment Strategist Takes a Practical Look at Alternative InvestmentsAlternatives can play an important role in a portfolio by offering different exposures and goals, but investors should carefully consider their complexity, costs, taxes and liquidity. Here's an alts primer.
-
Ready to Retire? Your Five-Year Business Exit StrategyIf you're a business owner looking to sell and retire, it can take years to complete the process. Use this five-year timeline to prepare and stay on track.
-
A Financial Planner's Prescription for the Headache of Multiple Retirement AccountsHaving a bunch of retirement accounts can cause unnecessary complications. Consolidation can make it easier to manage your savings and potentially improve investment outcomes.
-
Overpaying for Financial Advice? A Financial Planner's Guide to FeesTake five minutes to review how much you're paying for financial advice. If you're overpaying, you could be better off with an adviser who charges a flat fee.
