Why depression and anxiety often spike over the festive season

The festive season can be a difficult and lonely time for many people, especially with the expectations of family gatherings and people coming together.

Social worker Carryn Hennessy says there are various factors that contribute to this problem.

"It's a terrible trend that we are seeing around the world... that people are just becoming more and more isolated, and one of the big causes for this is actually social media – something that's meant to bring us together is almost keeping us apart."

She explains that even basic companionship can never be overrated in these circumstances.

"It could be that we've lost a loved one, maybe we are having our first Christmas alone – away from our families or our children, and it can be really difficult, we feel even more isolated... they say even just being in the company of another person physiologically helps us to feel better."

Hennessy says people often put on a brave face, and sometimes you have to look deeper behind their words and trust your intuition to spot those that are feeling particularly lonely and isolated.

She adds that are many ways to connect, and it doesn't always have to be with another person.

"If you're done with people, then maybe it's animals... often animals are our safe haven, we feel like they've never betrayed us."

To listen to Carryn Hennessy in conversation with CapeTalk’s John Maytham, click the audio below: