Every year, the onslaught of holiday advertising, Christmas movies, television specials and our own expectations for the season conspire to give some people a good case of the holiday blues.

Unable to re-create the perfect Christmas of their own memories despite spending many hours and countless dollars to achieve it, people fall into a pattern of stress, anxiety and even depression, says Dr. Catherine Speckman, a retired clinical psychologist in Bend.

On Tuesday, Speckman will moderate a panel of mental health experts giving tips about how to avoid experiencing a downturn during the holidays. (see “If You Go”)

“There’s a tremendous emphasis on commercialism and spending money, and a lack of focus on personalizing the holiday and making it personal to you,” she says. “But lots of people don’t have lots of money to create the kind of holiday that is expressed by advertising.”

And even for those who can afford all the trappings of the season, Speckman says, they often put such stress on themselves that they can’t enjoy the holidays.

“One of the things that leads to what I would call the holiday blues is that we have happy or unhappy memories associated with the holidays, and a personal connection to both happy and unhappy memories,” Speckman says. “We’re missing someone that we love or experiences that we love that are no longer here.”

Meanwhile, family members can bring both great joy and great stress. Add in concern over the mounting bills and the increased isolation that comes with cold weather and early nightfall, and many people are prone to feeling depressed this time of year.

But there are strategies to deal with and even prevent the holiday blues. Speckman says those begin with making a plan for dealing with the aspect of the holidays that give you the most trouble. Meditation and other relaxation techniques can help with anxiety and stress. Those feeling isolated might want to arrange a standing date with a friend to ward off those feelings.

“No two prescriptions for holiday enjoyment would be the same,” she says.

The free public presentation, sponsored by the Central Oregon chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, will feature local psychologists Robert Horowitz and Mark Evey and licensed clinical social worker Mickie Tuner discussing topics including seasonal affective disorder, anxiety and depression over the holidays, and stress reduction strategies.

Speckman says the presentation will focus on ways to avoid unrealistic or unhealthy expectations, as well as methods for reducing stress and anxiety.

“There are very specific, concrete steps we can take to reduce the stress we impose on ourselves and others,” she says. “It’s about coming up with ways that make sense for you, and to understand that it’s not because there’s something wrong with you.”

IF YOU GO

What: Coping With Holiday Blues

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday

Where: St. Charles Medical Center-Bend, 2500 N.E. Neff Road

Cost: Free

Contact: 480-9832