Post-holiday blues are not depression, Armenian experts say

The emotional slump many people experience after holidays, marked by fatigue, low mood and difficulty returning to routine, should not be confused with clinical depression, specialists at Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU) say.

According to YSMU psychologists, the so-called “post-holiday depression” or “post-holiday apathy” is not a medical diagnosis but a natural psychological response following periods of heightened emotional stimulation, disrupted routines and increased stress.

Karine Tataryan, head of YSMU’s Psychiatry Department, says  the term “depression” is often misused in this context. “Depression is a clinical diagnosis unrelated to holidays,” she said. “What people usually experience is a temporary drop in mood after emotional intensity.”

Common symptoms include weakness, apathy, sadness or a sense of emptiness, irritability, reduced motivation and difficulty concentrating.

Experts attribute the condition to several factors, including disrupted sleep and eating patterns, increased alcohol consumption, financial stress from holiday spending and unrealistic expectations fueled by social norms and social media. When idealized images of happiness clash with personal realities, such as unresolved conflicts, loss or exhaustion, people may experience guilt, disappointment or lowered self-esteem.

Psychologists emphasize that the core issue is not negative emotions themselves, but the pressure to feel happy. “When happiness becomes an obligation rather than a natural feeling, emotional distress follows,” the specialists noted.

They advise viewing holidays as part of everyday life rather than a guaranteed source of joy, setting realistic expectations, respecting financial and emotional limits, and accepting genuine feelings without self-judgment.

What can help, experts say, includes gradually restoring daily routines, prioritizing sleep and nutrition, setting small achievable goals, engaging in physical activity and natural light and practicing self-care without excessive demands.

While post-holiday mood changes are common, specialists warn that people with a predisposition to depression may experience more severe symptoms. If low mood lasts longer than two to three weeks or significantly interferes with daily life, professional evaluation is recommended.