Joint Base Langley-Eustis Va. –
Imagine being at a squadron holiday party. Senior Airman Jane Doe, who is normally the life of the party, looks tired as she sits alone, staring blankly at the brightly-lit Christmas tree. Come to think of it, there have been a lot of changes about her lately. She has lost weight, she hardly eats, she seems unmotivated and when you pass by her cubical she seems to be crying a lot for no apparent reason.
The holidays should be a time of joy and happiness. But some service members get the blues, or even worse - depression.
The good news is there are ways to understand, prevent and treat blues and depression. There are even ways someone can be a good wingman or battle buddy and help a friend in need.
According to Maj. Elizabeth Najera, 633rd Medical Operation Squadron Behavioral Health Flight commander, feeling blue or sad during the holidays is normal for some people and will pass after the stressors of the holidays are gone. However, depression is much more persistent, severe and longer lasting.
"When we talk about blues, it's about the emotion, the feeling," she said. "But when talking about depression we talk about something that's also physical."
Just as with Airman Doe, depression may include the following symptoms:
· Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
· Fatigue and decreased energy
· Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
· Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
· Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness or excessive sleeping
· Irritability, restlessness
· Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
· Overeating or appetite loss
· Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings
· Suicidal thoughts or attempts
There are a few things people can do themselves to help prevent the holiday blues and depression.
"Around the holiday season people should just watch out for excess," said Najera." "This is the time of year where people give themselves permission to overindulge, whether it is alcohol, food or spending; those are the type of things that can contribute to us feeling down."
She also said to take time to care for one's self by getting adequate rest, nutrition and exercise; and to watch out for unrealistic expectations.
The National Institute of Mental Health website states that "mental disorders are common throughout the United States, affecting tens of millions of people each year, and that only a fraction of those affected receive treatment."
A battle buddy or wingman needs to know help is available through many means and methods.
If a wingman or battle buddy feels blue or depressed, talk to them and be honest with them. Let them know about their concerning behavior. Encourage them to seek help and point them to the available resources and discuss how to utilize them, said Najera.
Joint Base Langley-Eustis has several resources available:
Military Family Life Consultant, call (757)755-5511.
Mental Health Clinic at Langley, call (757)764-6840.
Behavioral Health Clinic at Eustis, call the McDonald Army Health Center at (757)314-7500 and follow the prompts.
Chaplains at Langley, call (757)764-7847.
Chaplains at Eustis, contact the individual unit chaplain directly, or call the Regimental Memorial Chapel at (757)878-1304. To reach a chaplain after hours, call the Duty Staff Office at (757)878-5050.
If a wingman or battle buddy has the blues or depression this holiday season, perhaps the best gifts a person can give are a listening ear, a caring heart and a lending hand.