New book says most people have unreachable goal of happiness around holidays

By Staff Writer

The author of a new book says that people's unrealistic expectations of happiness around the holidays can lead to deeper bouts of depression.

Eric Wilson, who wrote "Against Happiness," suggested that constant elation is an unreachable goal and it causes individuals to suppress other authentic feelings like sadness or discontent. Wilson, who has long struggled with depression and is being treated for bipolar disorder, said that the pressure to feel cheerful throughout the holiday season can lead people to feel even more sad.

He likened it to the character of George Bailey in the movie "It's a Wonderful Life," who explores the worst aspects of his life before he fully understands how much love and support he had.

The holidays are generally a happy time of year for most adolescents, but extreme mood changes among any problem teen can be a symptom of an emotional problem, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

Some children are spoiled so much around the holidays that they become disobedient or combative when they do not get their own way. Parents may consider practicing tough love with a disobedient child and show them unruly behavior will result in a loss of holiday presents or treats.