By now, if you look around, you will see everywhere the Christmas decorations are up. Whether it is the Christmas tree itself, or the lights, or fake snowflakes, your surrounding is all light up! But does it make you nervous, anxious or even depressed? It could be the Christmas Blues. And yes, it exists!

Festive depression is when people who find the festive period difficult to deal with. However, a trust by National Health Service (NHS) UK is reminding them that it is okay to seek help for mental health.

Dr Emma Tiffin, a local GP and mental health clinical lead for NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said. "Whether you are...struggling financially or facing difficult memories, lots of us struggle with our mental health at this time of year and can feel more lonely than usual. It is important to remember you are not alone. It is OK to not be OK and there's a wife range of services available."

The services NHS trust providing are online advice, phone and text helplines, specialist bereavement sites or crisis mental health support. Dr Tiffin has also urged "people to look out for others".

Dr Tiffin says that a phone call or a visit can make all the difference to someone's wellbeing this Christmas. Support for mental health issues includes services which are also geared towards younger and older people alike, and is available on NHS 111's crisis line.

Why do some people feel depressed on Christmas?

If you know anything about Christmas, you may also know about Grinch, who stole Christmas. He was an orphan who longed for a family and parents who would actually care about him. This is why when he sees Christmas, a children's holiday that is inclusive of family fun and love, while he has neither, he becomes sad. He also is annoyed by noisy Christmas festivities and extravagant decorations, but deep down, this holiday reminds him of his childhood void of love and security.

To many who feel depressed around Christmas might relate to Grinch. It may not be the same reason, but there could be memories associated with festivities which are sour. This is what we call Christmas Blues!

What Causes Christmas Blues?

Psychologist Ashi Tomar notes few causes that may lead to Christmas Blues:

• The idealized image of a perfect Christmas sometimes creates unrealistic expectations for those who do not have the similar circumstances as they see elsewhere. There obviously comes a comparison with lives of others.

• There are extra activities, organizing feasts and dinner, which sometimes can leave one feeling overwhelmed and unloved.

• People who are away from their family can also feel lonely or sad.

• It also prompts reflection on the past years, which can also be frustrating for many, especially if the goals are not met.

Tomar also highlight that when an individual is unable to meet basic financial demands during holidays, it may lead to feelings of insecurity, increased anxiety, and symptoms of depression. "Since human beings are wired for connection, isolation around this time increases feelings of sadness and loneliness impacting emotional well-being. When there are unrealistic demands in terms of the holiday season, where there is a gap between ideal expectations and one’s actual life, it may lead to feelings of failure, inadequacy, or worthlessness."

What is Seasonal affective Disorder?

This is also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). When people change their behavior in accordance with certain seasons, they experience SAD. It is also during Christmas when the sun is not as bright as it is in summers and behavior changes, becomes more negative when there is less sunlight.

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Most people find themselves sleeping or eating more than necessary during winters. Light is thought to influence SAD, because it affects the natural biological clock that regulates hormones, sleep, and moods. When sunlight exposure decreases in winters, individuals affected by SAD have difficulty regulating their biological clock.

As per a 2016 study published in the Oxford University Press titled Seasonal difference in Brain Serotonin transporter binding predicts symptom severity in patients with Seasonal Affective Disorder, states that SAD appears in people whose brains maintain high levels of serotonin transporters, leading to lower levels of serotonin.

Tomar says that it is important to seek a diagnosis from a mental health professional and to be diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (Depression), given that the symptoms should have been present for at least 2 weeks.

Symptoms include:

• Persistent sadness and feelings of irritability and discontentment most of the day throughout the day.
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness.
• Excessive inappropriate feelings of guilt
• Neglecting self-care and engaging in binge eating, excessive alcohol consumption, and reliance on substances.
• Isolating and withdrawing from others.
• Changes in sleep patterns and appetite.
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities and decrease in motivation and productivity.
• Significant weight loss or weight gain without trying.
• Increased levels of fatigue and decrease in concentration and decisiveness.
• Recurrent thoughts of dying or suicidal ideations.

ALSO READ: Seasonal Depression Is Real: Expert Tells What Are The Best Ways To Deal With It

How can you cope up?

While there exists antidepressants, and light therapy, as well as vitamin D supplements to treat SAD. Tomar suggests, letting go of perfectionism and unrealistic expectations regarding the holiday season. "Rather focusing on small, meaningful ways to enjoy and celebrate," she says.

Other ways to cope could be:

• Practicing gratitude journaling to focus on the positive aspects and experiences rather than fixating on negative cognitions.
• Setting up meet-ups or virtual calls with loved ones to enhance social connections may help meet the need for belongingness and a sense of comfort and safe space.
• Engaging in self-care practices like maintaining regular exercise, sleep, and fulfilling dietary needs. These can help stabilize mood.
• Focusing on the non-material aspects of enjoying the festival and carefully budgeting and planning expenses to avoid financial distress.
• Break holiday tasks into small manageable activities and delegate and seek help as necessary.
• Prioritize hobbies and interests.

Ashi Tomar is a senior psychologist with Veda Rehabilitation and Wellness.

Denying all the claims of bad health, including the recent claims of doctors questioning President Donald Trump's cognitive health, he once again, at 79, has been pronounced in "excellent health".

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This was a medical evaluation done at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. White House released a statement by Friday night, confirming the report. His personal physician Dr Sean Barbabella, described the visit as part of the "scheduled follow-up evaluation" and said the president remains "fit for duty".

Barbabella, a US Navy captain, reported that Trump continues to demonstrate strong cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological and physical performance. The report also emphasized that Trump maintains a "demanding daily schedule without restriction". Not only that, the report has gone so far to declare Trump's cardiac age as 14 years younger than his actual age after an electrocardiogram.

Trump, who sides with the anti-vaxxer RFK Jr., the health secretary, has also received a flu shot, and updated COVID-19 booster during the visit.

Why Did Trump Need Another Checkup So Soon?

Friday's assessment was his second visit to Walter Reed in six months, which has raised questions among medical experts and political observers. Why is it unusual? Typically, US presidents undergo one annual physical, unless an urgent medical issue arises.

Check Out Trump's Last Medical Report: Is Donald Trump ‘Fully Fit’ To Serve As President Of United States?

Jonathan Reiner, who is a cardiologist and once treated the former Vice President Dick Cheney, said, "Are they following up on the swelling that was noted in his legs earlier this year, or are there new concerns?"

However, the latest report mentioned no such swelling or Trump's previously disclosed diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency - a mild but chronic condition that causes swelling in the legs and is common in older adults.

Read: US President Trump Is Diagnosed With A Chronic Vein Condition, Venous Insufficiency, Confirms White House

White House officials said the visit was routine and aligned with Trump’s “ongoing health maintenance plan.”

Questions Around The Test Results

As per Barbabella, Trump's evaluation including advanced imaging, laboratory testing, and preventive health screening, which was conducted by a team of specialists. the results were "in exceptional conditions". However, many medical experts question on the inclusion of his "cardiac age" and are asking for the results if advanced coronary imaging were conducted.

On the revelation of his cardiac age, former White House physician Jeffrey Kuhlman, who served under Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama, said it’s unusual for such data to be highlighted without additional context. “For a 79-year-old, best practice would be to include advanced coronary imaging to evaluate plaque buildup,” Kuhlman said. “The White House said he underwent imaging but didn’t release the results.”

Public Scrutiny Over Trump's Health

Trump is the oldest person ever elected as the US President and so he has long faced public scrutiny over his health. In July, the White house confirmed his chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis after noticing swelling on his leg and a recurring hand bruise, yet there was no mention of it in his health report. Some experts have articulated that this was the result from daily aspirin use and frequent handshaking.

In April, Trump underwent a comprehensive three-page physical, where Barbabella described him as "fully fit" to execute presidential duties, noting his “active lifestyle” and “frequent victories in golf tournaments” as indicators of his fitness. That exam also revealed he had lost 20 pounds since 2020 and scored a perfect 30 out of 30 on a cognitive assessment designed to screen for dementia.

“I don’t know what to tell you other than I got every answer right,” Trump quipped afterward.

Are People Really Surprised by These Reports?

Trump has time and again maintained a tradition of secrecy around his health.

In 2015, he famously dictated a letter claiming he would be “the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency.” He also concealed his COVID-19 diagnosis in 2020 for several days, reportedly developing a more serious case than initially disclosed.

It is very easy for people to miss signs of declining health. However, many times, despite witnessing the symptoms, people choose to ignore it and hope that it goes away. But one must understand, even for illnesses like a simple fever, one needs some type of treatment, even if it is simply rest. Ignoring your health will only lead to worse problems in the future.

One such aspect of health that people often ignore is their leg health. In a recently posted video, Dr. Rema Malik, a Board-Certified Vascular Surgeon in Houston, explained that people often ignore their leg health, the title of the video being, “You Are Your Worst Enemy When It Comes To Your Leg Health.”

The surgeon highlights a pattern of self-sabotage where people frequently ignore or downplay signals from their legs, which can indicate serious circulation problems.

3 Key Symptoms of Declining Leg Health

According to the surgeon, people become their own worst enemy by creating "normal" excuses for symptoms that are actually abnormal. This dismissal stems from the fear of facing a potential circulation issue. The surgeon points out common examples of how people brush off serious signs:

Calf Cramps: Dismissing a recurring, nagging calf cramp as merely a "charley horse."

Swelling: Attributing swollen ankles at night to simply being "on your feet a lot today."

Varicose Veins: Choosing to hide new, painful varicose veins instead of finding out the underlying cause.

The surgeon stresses that while it feels easier to ignore the "whisper from the legs," the moment a person stops making excuses, they become their own best advocate for a future of easy mobility and freedom.

Why Is Leg Health Important?

According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, the strength and quickness of leg muscles (leg power) are connected to common long-term health problems in older adults, specifically osteoarthritis (joint pain), diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (heart problems).

The main goal was to see what current research says about how these diseases affect leg power, especially since research suggests that older people with these conditions can improve their leg power through exercise.

The team ended up analyzing 16 studies in total: 5 on osteoarthritis, 5 on diabetes, and 6 on heart disease.

Most studies suggested the same thing: older adults with these chronic diseases generally have lower leg power compared to those who don't have the diseases.

The existing research generally shows that osteoarthritis, diabetes, and heart disease are connected to weaker leg power in older adults.

However, scientists can't make strong conclusions yet because the studies reviewed were too different and didn't use the same ways to measure leg power.

Why You Shouldn’t Dismiss Leg Symptoms Especially After 40?

This pattern of ignoring leg symptoms is risky at any age, but the stakes are significantly raised for individuals over the age of 40.

After 40, the risk of developing progressive vein disease and Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) increases exponentially. These conditions involve serious circulation problems that worsen over time if left untreated.

The surgeon encourages individuals to shine a light on any leg symptom they have been ignoring.

Although we may not realize, many times the food we eat has hidden additives. Things that make the food taste good as well as addictive. In a recent video, a cardiologist is trying to warn people, asking them to check the labels behind their packaged food.

Dmitry Yaranov, a cardiologist based in Memphis, Tennessee, is trying to warn people that cardiovascular disease (CVD) isn't just caused by bad cholesterol. In a video posted on Instagram, he explained that there's a very common ingredient that's hidden everywhere—in sodas, snacks, sauces, and even foods that claim to be "healthy." This ingredient is a huge danger to your heart and is the main reason why people get diabetes. That dangerous ingredient is sugar.

How Sugar Slowly Increases Your Risk Of CVD?

Dr. Yaranov points to solid research that proves there is a strong link between eating sugar every day and having a much higher chance of getting heart disease.

Daily Servings

The risk goes up just by eating one serving of something sugary (like a soda or a candy bar) each day. That single serving is linked to an 18% higher risk of heart disease. If you have two or more servings a day, the risk jumps to 21% higher. This is a big deal, and the risk was found even in people who regularly exercise.

Processed Foods Link

A study from 2025 showed that eating a lot of sugar, especially the sugar found in ultra-processed foods (packaged snacks, ready meals, etc.), raises your risk for heart disease by 17%, increases the risk of blocked heart arteries by 23%, and raises the risk of stroke by 9%.

Global Impact

The problem is massive worldwide. High sugar eating is responsible for over 1 million new heart disease cases and 2.2 million new cases of Type 2 diabetes in just one year.

Mortality (Risk of Death)

The doctor also mentions a study that found people who got 25% or more of their total daily calories from sugar had more than double the risk of dying from heart disease compared to people who kept their sugar intake low (under 10% of total calories).

How Does Sugar Harm Your Body?

The cardiologist explains that sugar does more than just add unneeded calories; it actually attacks the healthy systems in your body that look after your heart and how your body uses energy.

• It causes inflammation (swelling and irritation) throughout the body.
• It causes your blood pressure to go up.
• It makes your cholesterol levels worse.

It messes up your blood sugar control, making it hard for your body to manage energy. This is a "double hit" because it harms both your heart and your pancreas (the organ that makes insulin).

How Much Sugar Can You Eat?

To help protect your health, the cardiologist advises everyone to follow the simple rules for sugar set by the American Heart Association (AHA):

Women: Should eat no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day, about 100 calories worth.

Men: Should eat no more than 9 teaspoons of added sugar per day, about 150 calories worth.

The big issue is that most people eat two or three times these recommended limits without even knowing it because sugar is hidden in so many foods. The doctor strongly urges everyone to start checking food labels carefully and actively working to limit their sugar intake to keep their heart strong and their blood sugar stable.