MedicineNet Survey Shows Spending Time On the Computer Beats Phoning Friends For Coping With Holiday Depression

MedicineNet survey shows that for some, spending time on the computer beats telephoning friends as a strategy for coping with winter holiday depression.

San Clemente, CA (PRWEB) December 21, 2004 -- Holiday depression is a well-documented phenomenon, which this survey affirms; however, the Internet Age provides those with depression and stress triggered by the holidays new methods and opportunities for coping. This new MedicineNet survey of 961 Web-savvy respondents shows that some of those suffering from holiday depression chose to spend more time on the computer as a means of coping. In fact,18% of those surveyed indicated spending more time on the computer as a strategy for coping with holiday depression; whereas, only 13% selected telephoning friends.

Commenting on the survey, Dr. Shiel, Chief Medical Editor of MedicineNet.com noted that "the holidays are particularly difficult times for those who suffer from depression, for they can heighten anxiety, loneliness, and lack of self-worth. There are many ways of coping with depression and stress and it not surprising that some have turned to computers whereby they can freely and anonymously access a nonjudgmental and comforting world of information."

The added demands of the holiday season can create stress, and this survey shows that although some participants (18%) seek to simplify their lives to cope with stress, only 3% shop online to save time. 24% prefer to reduce stress through prayer, meditation and exercise.

MedicineNet, Inc. is an online healthcare publishing company, creating proprietary consumer information that is produced by a network of 75+ U.S. board-certified physicians. Since 1996, it has been the trusted source for easy-to-read, in-depth, authoritative medical information via its robust, user-friendly, interactive Web site at www.medicinenet.com. The Doctors of MedicineNet are also proud to author the Webster's New World(TM) Medical Dictionary now in its second edition, published by Wiley Publishing, Inc.

To download a complete copy of the survey findings: Dealing with Winter Holiday Depression and Stress go to: http://www.medicinenet.com/holiday_depression_survey/article.htm

Health Research Survey Reports are available on MedicineNet at: http://www.medicinenet.com/healthreport/article.htm

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