FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hillary Angel
Phone: (909) 390-1239
E-mail: hangel@wilkinguge.com

HOLIDAYS REKINDLE THE LOSS AND A LOVED ONE

San Diego, December 5, 2006 – This holiday season, many will face a lingering silhouette of someone loved and missed, creating overwhelming feelings of loss and grief that impede the opportunity to engage in a joyful celebration. In fact, the feelings of grief and loss can be so great as to make the holidays a time of grief rather than joy.

Loss can result from many situations: the death of a loved one, a relationship in ruins, or a family member unable to come home for the holidays. In addition to the stress and anxiety that are commonly exaggerated during the winter months, those coping with such a loss experience holidays accompanied by sentiments of bereavement and loneliness.

Feelings of hopelessness, loss of energy, sleep deprivation, or suicidal thoughts are among the signs and symptoms of holiday depression To manage the symptoms, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists recommends applying these tips to help survive your loss over the holidays before the illness progresses into chronic depression:

• Set realistic goals. The holidays tend to get hectic and out of hand. Be sure to keep things simple; do not expect too much from others.

• Keep in touch. Stay in contact with friends and family; try not to alienate yourself from the rest of the world. Seek professional support if family and friends are not available.

• Volunteer your time. Feeding the homeless or participating in a toy drive can create positive feelings, and in helping others you help yourself.

• Think toward the future. Avoid dwelling on past events. Instead think about today, tomorrow and what good things they hold.

If you have adopted these tips and still cannot manage the holidays, consider seeking professional help. A Marriage and Family Therapist is trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals with common mental heath conditions, such as anxiety or difficulty concentrating. To learn more about mental health or to locate a MFT, visit www.TherapistFinder.com.

About CAMFT
The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), with 27 chapters throughout the state, is an independent professional organization, representing the interests of licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. CAMFT provides www.TherapistFinder.com as a resource to prospective patients looking for Marriage and Family Therapists located in California. For more information about CAMFT, please call (858) 292-2638 or visit www.camft.org.