Be aware of those around you that suffer from mental illness at ALL TIMES!
If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by calling or texting 988.
According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people surveyed said their stress increased during the holiday season, which can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. The reasons given: lack of time, financial pressure, gift-giving, and family gatherings.
To make matters worse, the National Alliance on Mental Illness noted that 64% of individuals living with a mental illness felt that their conditions worsened around the holidays.
Depression is tough at the best of times. Perhaps it’s the best of times, such as holiday times, when depression at Christmastime is especially tough. The thought of mixing with happy people fills you with dread. The thought of remembering lost loved ones fills you with gloom. How can people be so happy when you are so sad? How can people celebrate when you are in mourning? It jars your soul and scrapes your tender wounds, doesn’t it?
To Those With Depression at Christmastime
