Most women report holiday depression

Most people hope the holidays will provide a Kodak moment of joy and togetherness, but for many the holidays are trying time, a U.S. expert says.

Jacqueline Dawes, founder and owner Brookhaven Retreat, a women-only treatment facility for emotional trauma and addiction, says the buildup of the pressure to create the ideal holiday experience can trigger social and emotional stressors -- especially in women -- that have negative consequences, such as depression, anxiety and substance dependency.

During the holidays we start to see more women looking for treatment, Dawes said in a statement. These women are looking for an escape. They are often so exhausted from the pressure of the season that all areas of their health, both physical and mental, begin to breakdown.

The three main triggers of holiday depression include relationships, finances and physical demands, the Mayo Clinic found.

Women may be more vulnerable to these triggers because they have been socialized from birth to be caretakers, Dawes says.

A survey by the National Women's Health Resource Center states that two-thirds of women report depression during the holidays. The added pressure of creating the perfect holiday dinner or holiday outing, combined with the everyday stress of balancing a job, family, education and finances can limit the amount of time women have to relax and avoid these painful holiday triggers, Dawes explained.

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