by Simon Wright

Created on: December 17, 2007

A well chosen gift may be just the thing to give a lift to someone who is suffering from depression this Christmas. Depression is a very common condition (affecting between 5% and 10% of the population at any time) and its impact can be particularly pronounced during the festive season.

If you know someone who you believe is suffering from depression, then the best thing that you can do is to show that you care for them and are there for them if they need your help. A gift can be a very good way of showing your support, and in this article I've tried to give some examples of gifts that may be appreciated:

Hamper of healthy organic food.
The food we eat can influence how healthy we feel, both physically and emotionally. We all know that when people are feeling low, there's a temptation to turn to comfort' food. However, rather than cake and junk food, the person would do better by eating more healthy foods. Susan Moores, a dietician from the America Dietetics Association, is quoted as recommending 7 healthy foods, which are salmon and mackerel, canola oil, spinach and fresh peas, chickpeas, chicken and turkey.

Organic massage oils (combined with the offer of a massage)
Depression can be brought on or affected by stress. A great way to help relieve stress is to receive a massage. A particularly good gift for a spouse/partner would be to buy them some nice massage oils and then offer to treat them to a message. Or alternatively, you could treat them to a weekend break at a health spa where they would be pampered by health professionals.

Some pretty/smart new clothes
How we feel about ourselves can change depending upon how we dress and how others react to how we dress. The person suffering from depression may feel undervalued and unloved and a fashionable new outfit may be just the thing to give them a lift. Even better, if you combine it with an invite to a dinner dance, or a party, or just a night out on the town.

Sports equipment.
If the person you're buying for is into sport, or was into sport but has stopped participating, then a sports-related gift may work well. In the same way that healthy food contributes towards us feeling good, physical exercise does too. So people who regularly play tennis, or run or walk, or participate in team sport are less likely to suffer from depression. As well as the physical workout, it also is a great opportunity to meet new people and make great new friends.

A light therapy box
Another common cause of depression is Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly referred to as SAD. This is where the absence of sunlight during the winter months causes depression in the sufferer. A light therapy box works by creating artificial light that can help combat the symptoms. This is a gift that you would only give if you are very close to the person, and they have already admitted that they are suffering from the disorder.

Hopefully, this list provides you with some ideas on possible gifts for someone who you believe to be suffering from depression. Remember to take their personal interests and personality into account when buying the gift. And, as a final note, I'd suggest that you don't give them alcohol as a gift, as alcohol typically only makes depression worse.

Sources:

http://www.newstarget.com/008154.html

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