Prince George, B.C.-   It is supposed to be the season of  holiday cheer  and  sharing  with loved ones,  but  not everyone  will  feel the  joy of the season.

Blue Christmas  is not just the title of a song by Elvis,  for many, it is a very sad reality.

Damen DeLeenheer is a Clinical Educator  with Northern Health, and says  there are a number of  factors which  can leave a person feeling  blue during  this time of year.  Family traditions, festivities and finances can all  become stressors leading to  Seasonal  Affected  Disorder or S.A.D. for short.

“With regard to family traditions they can  be a source of enjoyment over the holiday season, but  they can also be a source of stress and anxiety” says DeLeenheer.  He says if  sticking with those traditions  is making someone unhappy, “Consider letting  it go and create a new one,  this is your holiday,  not the Griswald’s”.

This time of year, may trigger  memories of past events,  and of family  and friends who are no longer  in our lives.  “This can  be a positive or negative experience” says DeLeenheer “In either way, seeking out friends and family for support  and understanding is important.”

Then there’s the financial pressure of  trying to deliver on  the  gifts  your  loved ones  have  added to their wish list.  DeLeenheer  says overspending  during the holidays can lead to the onset of  seasonal blues “Especially  when the bills are tallied in the new year.”  Setting a budget and sticking to it  can help, and home made gift ideas are not only  one of a kind, but may be more  treasured  by those on the receiving  end.

He says   there are some signs you can watch for  among family and friends so  you know if they are suffering from  seasonal blues “Speak with the individual you  are concerned about and ask them have they been feeling down, depressed or  hopeless, and have they  experienced little  interest or pleasure in doing things?”  He says if the answer is yes,  then  consider  seeking out additional support or  services.

DeLeenheer suggests seeking out support  if the  blues have taken over your holiday.   Check in with your family physician or a walk in clinic,  call a nurse practitioner, call the Northern Health Community  Health and Addictions program and  speak with  one of the nurses or clinicians,  or try  to engage or re-engage with social networks such as  religious  organizations, volunteer groups, or clubs.