Beware of the Jersey Shore Syndrome [AUDIO]

You're on vacation at the Jersey Shore, what can possibly go wrong?

Lots, if you're not careful, according to a Southern Ocean County Psychiatrist.

Psychiatrist Dr. Eric Berger, who is Director of Psychiatry Services at Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, part of Meridian Neuroscience, says he sees it all the time.

"I kind of encountered what I kind of commonly call 'Jersey Shore Syndrome' in a sense that people come down and they have great expectations of a great week and it could bring out kind of a manic side in people."

He says lack of sleep, lots of alcohol, too much sun, ditching prescription meds, dehydration and even family conflicts can set you up for a break down.

"You're taking certain liberties, drinking more, you're out more, you're not sleeping as you did and that can bring on a bit of a breakdown."

His advice? Stick with as much of a normal routine as possible when you're on vacation.

"If you're used to a sleep routine, you need to keep that schedule and pace yourself and make sure that you're not burning yourself out."

He says it's also important to take prescribed medications.

"Remember to take medication that you're normally taking. Don't feel "oh I'm going on vacation, I don't have to take it, I'm going to be drinking alcohol."

Berger has some advice on alcohol intake, too.

"My best recommendation is to drink alcohol at a minimal or not to drink at all. Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean your body is going to be able to accept alcohol physiologically."

Berger says vacationers also get together with relatives that they haven't seen in a while and sometimes with that comes old family conflicts.

"He says you kind of have to prepare yourself for that and strategically not let yourself be sucked into another difficult conflictual round of family feud."