If we believe the media, this should be the best time of the year right? Actually no, in fact, if you are struggling in today’s economy, financially, with depression, anxiety or health problems, this can be the hardest time of year. You may be blaming yourself when you feel you don’t measure up to what is shown on TV. When the reality is it’s the ideal family portrayed that is the myth. With divorce rates rising, single parenthood, blended families and same sex relationships becoming more the “norm” than the traditional family. But when inundated with reminders of what seems to be lacking in our lives, depression, anxiety and pain symptoms can worsen. Fortunately, there’s help! Talk therapy, wellness-focused treatment and medication therapy, if needed, can go a long way in helping you recognize your value to the people in your life and not getting caught up in the fairytale you see on TV.

Kirsty O’Donovan, MD
Psychiatrist