Stress levels rise over festive period

MORE than half the population suffers from either stress or depression or both over the Christmas period.

A survey carried out on behalf of the Samaritans found that 63% of women were stressed and/or depressed compared to 48% of men.

Dubliners were most prone to an emotional low, with 62% of the capital’s population reporting Christmas stress or depression, compared to 49% on the west of Ireland.