Avoid the pressure of X-mas and make merry

NAIROBI: After the blessing of hosting the many unique and important visitors in the latter half of the year, Kenyans would be forgiven for feeling a little sense of deflation — what psychologists call “the post-event depression.” Thank God Christmas is here — the perfect season for peace and goodwill to all.

The only unfortunate thing is that Christmas has also become one of the most stressful seasons for many people. Global surveys show that stress-related problems reach their peak in the period just before Christmas. Cases of depression, mental breakdown, and even suicide are often on the rise during this season. Deaths and crimes of various kinds also seem to rise during Christmas. It is not uncommon in this country for accidents to be on the rise during this season. But why should this celebrative season bring with it such stress? Several reasons, but a few stand out.