We’d like to take a moment to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and hope that you have a wonderful holiday season. It’s been another great year for mysantabarbaratherapy.com, and we are so grateful for the response that we’ve had as of late.

Even though the holidays are said to be filled with “good cheer”, this isn’t the case for many. Putting on a celebratory air for those suffering from anxiety and/or depression is difficult and the added pressure of the holidays can exacerbate one’s symptoms.

If you suffer from anxiety or depression, it can be isolating to see others celebrating and enjoying themselves. During the holiday season it is important to take a moment and remember what you are grateful for. Even if you don’t feel like participating and engaging, muster the resolve to try, because not doing so will only increase your distress.

If you need a bit of extra help during this holiday season, you may want to consider therapy for anxiety or depression from a Santa Barbara psychologist. If therapy for depression or anxiety is something that you’ve never entertained, it may be overwhelming to even contemplate entering treatment. However, if you experience any of the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety listed below, get help so that you can make the most out of your holiday season.

Increased or Decreased Appetite

A common symptom of both depression and anxiety is change in appetite. Of course, it is normal during the holidays to indulge more than usual, but if you find that you are consistently overeating or have no appetite at all, then this may be a sign of depression or anxiety. One of the objectives of depression counseling with a Santa Barbara therapist is to help people return to a place where they are eating in a more mindful, healthy manner.

Lack of Desire to Go To Social Holiday Functions

Though holiday parties can be a lot of work to get ready for, most people enjoy partaking in the festivities. It’s a chance to see co-workers outside of work, catch up with family, and to socialize with some of your closest friends. People with anxiety or depression may experience a lack of passion, motivation, and desire to attend any events. Or the desire and motivation might be present, but the person’s anxiety is so overwhelming and paralyzing that it prevents them from showing up.

Depression and anxiety can wreak havoc on your personal and professional life. If you believe that your mental health has compromised your functioning, counseling for anxiety may be helpful.

Look For Signs in Others

In addition to looking at yourself during this holiday season, recognize warning signs in others. It can be difficult to ascertain how someone is feeling just by observing them, so be sure to ask questions if you suspect someone close to you is suffering. You might just turn someone’s holiday season around and this Thanksgiving, they’ll be thankful that you took notice!

Q & A Hot Sheet

Q: Can’t I fight depression and anxiety on my own?

A: You can deal with depression and anxiety on your own, however, if your symptoms persist, it may be time to seek out a psychologist for depression or anxiety. Working with a psychologist will allow you to access the underlying, often unconscious issues that may be feeding your depression or anxiety.

Q: Are there side effects for antidepressants and other medications for anxiety and depression?

A: As with any medication, there are some side effects associated with antidepressants and anxiolytics. This is why it’s best if you have a psychologist for anxiety, as they can work closely with the doctor who prescribed your medication.

Q: Is anxiety and depression hereditary?

A: Studies have found that there is a genetic predisposition for mental illness, however having a family member with depression or anxiety doesn’t mean that you will inherit it. There are many factors that contribute to the development of the latter.

Local Events

If you are looking for activities and experiences this winter to help take your mind off things, consider these local Santa Barbara events.

Thanksgiving 4 Miler: Thanksgiving Day, November 27. Team up with family and friends and get your holidays off to a great start. Run Santa Barbara presents Santa Barbara’s flattest and fastest four-miler. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. in the Thunderbird Open Space, pocket park on Walnut. First three hundred on-line registrations get a free event shirt. Race begins at 9:00 a.m. on Hollister near the Magnolia Shopping Center. Prizes and gifts available. You’ll work up an appetite for Thanksgiving dinner.

Thanksgiving Day Pumpkin Smash: Thanksgiving Day, November 27. Have a smashing good time at the Santa Barbara Zoo’s annual Thanksgiving Day Pumpkin Smash from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Elephants, gorillas, and other animals will get tasty pumpkins to play with and eat on Thanksgiving Day. Cost is free with Zoo admission.

Blush Restaurant + Lounge: Thanksgiving Day, November 27. Let Blush do all the cooking for Thanksgiving this year. They will be open Thanksgiving Day from noon until 10:00 p.m. Chef Brandon Worrell and his staff will create an amazing combination of California cuisine and traditional favorites for your holiday dining pleasure.

Art To Zoo Exhibit: November 26th – Take your family to the Art To Zoo exhibit at the Santa Barbara Museum Of Art. This is something your entire family can enjoy and is both entertaining and educational!

ZeeBlu Thanksgiving 5K & Family Fun Run – Thursday, November 27, 2014 09:00 AM – The inaugural event last year had a turnout of 300 runners and this year is expected to bring over 500 participants.

Dr. Adina McGarr-Knabke earned her psychology degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2000 and her Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2003. After receiving her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute, Dr. McGarr-Knabke has been dedicated to helping patients find solutions to their emotional questions. Known as The Santa Barbara Therapist, Dr. Adina McGarr-Knabke is a licensed clinical psychologist. She provides treatment for eating disorders, anxiety disorders, addiction, depression and self-injurious behaviors, as well as counseling for stress from her office located at 1187 Coast Village Rd., Suite 10P in Santa Barbara. Visit the website and Facebook page or call (818) 518-6775 for more information.

Membership and Affiliations:

International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP)

Santa Barbara County Psychological Association