Beat the Blues This Holiday Season
Holiday songs and stories tell us it's the most wonderful time of the year, but for many, the holiday season may be a replica of Elvis Presley's "Blue Christmas." Whether it's the unrealistic expectations of familial bliss or financial burdens, the holidays can place a heavy load on an already-stressed society.

"Because of the recession, the holidays this year are going to create a lot more stress and depression than previous years," said Arjun Reyes, MD, director of the behavioral health unit at
Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital. "There's a lot of pressure to buy presents or go to parties and dinners. It's very expensive and that can be hard for people who have lost their jobs or had a salary cutback." It's also the season when people may develop stress responses such as headaches, excessive drinking, over-eating and difficulty sleeping.

To do so, Reyes suggested setting realistic goals, pacing yourself, delegating and prioritizing the most important activities.

"Instead of focusing on just one day, such as Christmas, try to remember the true meaning of the holidays," Reyes said. "Try to experience the moment instead of just being a performer." For those without family or friends to spend the holidays with, don't deny your feelings of loneliness. Acknowledge them to try to lessen the impact, either to yourself or with a support group or therapist.

If money is an issue, there are free activities to enjoy, such as driving to look at local holiday-decorated neighborhoods and attending community events. "Serving the less fortunate or helping out an acquaintance in need is really the true spirit of the holidays and will help you remember how much you have to be grateful for," he said.
For more information on Henry Mayo services, or to complete a free online depression screening, visit www.henrymayo.com.

Seven Tips for a Healthy, Happy Pregnancy during the Holidays
1. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, using a humidifier at night to keep nasal passages and skin hydrated, and indulging in rich, hydrating lotions for the skin.

2. Nourish both yourself and your baby by eating plenty of vegetables and protein. Keep snacks in your purse for shopping trips and long days running errands. Satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh fruits and go for a long walk if you indulge in too many holiday treats.

3. Stay active by walking briskly for at least 30 minutes each day; consider taking a yoga class. Exercise helps prepare you to give birth and the natural endorphins ease stress. Window shopping doesn't count.

4. When traveling, walk around every two hours or wear support hose, and empty your bladder when you feel the urge.

5. Stay centered by taking care of you. Stretch and breathe... and then breathe some more. Get a massage or exchange massages with your partner. Pamper yourself. Get some bath salts and soak up! Most of all - laugh, laugh and laugh! It really is the best medicine.

6. Don't overbook yourself. Say "no" when you can.

7. The holidays are a good time to express your wishes for your birth to family and friends. Ask for the gift of a homebirth midwife or doula. Get family members excited about contributing to your birth.
Callandra Clark and Kerin Asher-Galloway are certified nurse-midwives with Haven at Home, providing homebirth and waterbirth in Santa Clarita www.havenathome.net.