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Diana Zuckerman,
Psychologist, PhD
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Dealing with post-holiday blues.
Dear Ms. Zuckerman,
I am feeling really low after the Christmas break, this year for some reason is worse -- and as usual have put on a few pounds. I am thinking of surgery for a quick fix - what would you suggest?
Charlotte
New Jersey
The holidays and the post holiday season are supposed to be a happy, uplifting time of year, but the truth is that many people feel depressed instead. It may be because our fantasies of what holidays -- and our families -- are supposed to be like are often different from the reality. And this year, fears about terrorism have made the holidays and the post-holiday season even more difficult for many people.
When you're feeling even slightly depressed, it is not a good time to make any important decisions, whether it is buying a car or undergoing major plastic surgery. Any qualified plastic surgeon will tell you the same. You are not alone in your feelings, and I suggest you try to find a friend or relative or counselor to talk to. And, at the risk of sounding like your grandmother, many people find real joy in helping others at the low points in life. When others appreciate our help, it really does feel good.
And if you are feeling down about your appearance, you might try joining a health club or starting regular exercise on your own, which really can help your mood and improve your appearance at the same time. And of course, you may also consider indulging in something special that is not a permanent change, such as "plastic surgery lite" - i.e. microdermabrasion or a peel, which does not carry the expense or time commitment as major surgery.
Diana Zuckerman, Ph.D.
Executive Director
National Center for Policy Research for Women and Families
1444 Eye Street, NW
Suite 900
Washington, DC 20005
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