Expert in depression and mood disorders, Kate Harkness, is available to discuss ways to avoid depression and stress over the holidays.
“Stress and depression can intensify over the holidays for three main reasons: relationships, finances, and the physical strain of preparing for the ‘perfect’ Hallmark holiday,” says Dr. Harkness. “The current financial crisis may also make this year especially difficult for some families as they struggle to meet the expectations of past years.”
She suggests three ways to manage stress:
1. Be realistic in terms of what you can achieve for the holidays.2. Set family grievances aside.3. Stick to your budget.
Dr. Harkness is a professor of psychology and the lead researcher at the Queen’s Mood Lab. Her research interests are depression, anxiety, psychopathology, and stressful life events. 
To arrange an interview contact Molly Kehoe, molly.kehoe@queensu.ca, 613.533.2877, or Alissa Clark, alissa.clark@queensu.ca, 613.533.6000 ext 77513, Queen’s News and Media Services