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Gingerbread houses, happy carols sung off-key, cold mugs of eggnog, halls decked with boughs of holly, stockings hung by the chimney with care and, of course, rumors of higher suicide rates. No doubt about it — Christmas is in the air.
For decades, a pernicious myth that instances of suicide increase during the holidays has endured. According to a recent USA Today report, this is — thankfully — not true. In fact, countless studies have shown the exact opposite — suicides peak in the spring and actually decrease in December.
Maybe it all started with George Bailey, the protagonist of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” whose plunge off a bridge was averted by the timely intervention of a guardian angel. Given the rarity of encounters with angelic entities, especially ones named Clarence, it’s good that holiday suicide attempts are not as big a threat as many think.
But there are dangers. An estimated 10 percent of Mainers suffer from seasonal affective disorder, a cyclical form of depression caused by the exposure to less sunlight in the winter months — especially in our state, where the dreaded season is longer, colder and darker than usual. Also, cutting-edge research by University of Chicago social neuroscientist John Cacioppo shows not only are Americans lonelier than ever, the epidemic is quickly becoming a threat to our public health.
One of the reasons loneliness is dangerous is that it can lead to depression, and though it may surprise some, we college students are far from immune to psychological disorders. In fact, due to the stress of classes, unstable relationships and major life transitions — not to mention this year’s economic crisis — we may actually be more susceptible. Case in point: As of 2008, 15 percent of college students across the nation were diagnosed with depression, up five percent from 2000.
Cacioppo argues that loneliness also affects public health because it is more like a contagious virus than an isolated, individual problem. In other words, loneliness spreads. Think about it: When people are lonely, they tend to be more irritable and less talkative, which creates negative feelings of alienation and depression in anyone they spend time with.
The normal, understandable reaction to a grouchy “Scrooge” is to excommunicate them and hang out with happier people. But not only does this not help the lonely sufferer, you also risk catching the loneliness bug yourself. It is this infectious aspect of the blues that Cacioppo’s team has focused on, saying in their report that loneliness is “both a cause and a consequence to becoming disconnected.”
The implications go far beyond holiday humdrums. At the heart of a healthy democracy lies a socializing populace, interested in political involvement and civic engagement. When people are isolated and depressed, they tend to be more cynical and less caring about societal issues. Is it a coincidence Americans are feeling lonelier than ever at the same time social groups and political organizations, especially on-campus, are struggling to bring people in? I think not.
The more divided and isolated people feel, the less we participate in the important components of a thriving democracy, putting all of us at the mercy of the outspoken, self-serving extremists who are willing to engage.
A more interested and involved citizenry is not going to be created through increased transparency in the political system. If people don’t care about something, they’re still not going to care if more information about it is available. Instead, greater affiliation will only come about by cultivating a culture of authenticity — genuine conversations and true friendships where lonely people are integrated, not shunned. Healthy people make healthy societies.
So, during winter break, I encourage you to reconnect with loved ones and let the joys of honest relationships rejuvenate you from a stressful semester. It may seem overly simplistic to think that sharing a cup of cheer could cure everything from the depressed kid in your hall to societal apathy, but Christmas is the time for miracles after all.
Tyler Francke is wishing you all a merry Christmas and a very happy New Year’s.
