MADISON (WMSN) -- The hype of the holiday season may bring with it - lots of stress.

From the baking, travel and spending - the demands can add up quickly.

"A lot of my friends have awful families and they don't like seeing them 55 and then they worry about being nice to them," said Reine Streicher, beating the post-holiday stress.

"My daughter's birthday is 3 days after Christmas and I was barely able to do as much as I wanted for her," said Anthony Holley, beating the post-holiday stress.

"People have these high expectations, they rarely ever get met and then you get that let down afterwards," said Lauren Pallin, RN and Director of Psychiatry at St. Mary's Hospital.

Pallin says after new years -- there's a surge in patients admitted for depression.

"They may feel like they may not have anywhere to go," said Pallin.

Signs of post holiday depression to look out for includes sleeplessness, eating more and thoughts of suicide.

"A little stress is okay, it can be a motivator but it's that imbalance," said Pallin.

She says to stop this from happening, lower your expectations, exercise and stay on a budget.

"For some people it's a bit surprise to see how much they've spend if they don't keep track of it," said Pallin.

Others we interviewed near State Street in downtown Madison have their own way to beat the stress.

"I try not to go overboard with presents try not to buy too much," said Reine Streicher.

"I have people I talk to that keep me above water," said Anthony Holley

The director adds it's okay to feel a little down after the holidays.

Looking out for your family is the best way to prevent depression from setting in.

The National Institutes of Health shows about 1 in 5 seniors live with full-blown depression in the U.S.

Pallin says women 50-years-old and up are most at risk.