While most Bermudians are gearing up to ring in the New Year on a festive note, for some, the holiday period is one for feeling the blues.

And Bermuda's mental health experts say they are preparing for a busy post-Christmas season with people experiencing bouts of stress and depression.

Glenn Caisey, St. Brendan's Hospital programme manager for mental health, said his staff are alert and ready to assist people who go through extreme cases of stress or depression.

He noted that when people feel they cannot cope with life they tend to act out in ways that are harmful and almost detrimental.

"I would categorise this as a peak period,'' he said. "The pre and post Christmas period represents a high point for us. Even though it is more festive this time of year, you tend to get over indulgence and more altercations at this time of year.'' "When you have excessive behaviour, the consequential reactions to that are representative of the increase.'' Mr. Caisey noted the demands of the holiday time also add to feelings of inadequacy, failure and often feelings of worthlessness among some Bermudians, explaining why people feel more troubled at this time of year as opposed to others.

"Essentially what happens is that in the build up to the holiday time, family stress, relationship stress, the financial stress -- people find they are not able to live up to the expectations,'' he said. "And in some cases, people don't have the necessary controls over spending and overindulgence during the holidays.

"So what happens, is an anti-climatic feeling. People experience stress with having to pay the bills and end up tired, mentally and physically.'' Mr. Caisey pointed out that psychologically, environmental changes of coldness and gloomy weather also have an effect on people during this time of year.

And he said that without even realising it, people slowly slip into a sense of "sadness''.

The feelings of loss are also a significant contributor to depression during this time of year Mr. Caisey said and remembering loved ones who are no longer with them adds to the heavy burden of stress.

"This is usually a time of family gathering,'' he said. "That sometimes brings thoughts of unhappiness. Anniversaries of significant events, once shared with a person, you tend to be reflective of that. So feelings of loss start to resurface around this time.'' Mr. Caisey noted that it is common for people to go through the motions during holiday time, but he warned that if the feeling persisted, it is advisable to seek counselling.

"People use the occasion to reflect on a lot of things that are gloom and doom,'' he explained.

"But if people can't shake these feelings, the first thing I would tell them is that it is solvable and they are not a terrible or a weak person. I would also tell them to seek assistance, with someone professional or someone they can confide in. Someone who can give them an objective assessment of what they are going through.''