For Some, 'Tis the Season for the Blues

"Happy Holidays!" is a common refrain during the holiday season each year. Unfortunately, the holidays aren't happy times for everyone. Whether due to depression or frustration with the level of commercialism, everyone doesn't enjoy the holiday season.

What can you do if you or someone you know is depressed or unhappy? There are resources available for those who are suffering the effects of depression but they aren't well publicized.

 One resource is your local church, mosque, or temple. Rhett Solomon is the Assistant Pastor of Resurrected Church of Atlanta and says that the holiday season can be a difficult time.

Instead of staying home alone or shying from the crowded malls, Solomon suggests that you should do your best to be around other people. He also suggests that you try harder to make sure your holiday season is happier by taking small steps during the year.

"More often than not, the reason we are alone during the holidays is because we've spent the rest of the year either ignoring invites or not putting ourselves out there. To lessen the load on that one day, just begin to become more extroverted over the course of the year."

He also speaks about the true meanings of the season.

"The truth of the matter is, especially around the holiday season, what we are celebrating is not just a daily event. It is something we should be celebrating the whole year through," Solomon said. "Work to cultivate the relationships that will keep you uplifted and busy and productive the whole year so that on that one day you aren't looking around and saying "I'm by myself.'"

What if you aren't religious or don't have a church home? There are state-sponsored programs to help combat depression and help those who might be suicidal. Web resources include the Cobb and Douglas Public Health site.

Their document on behavioral health recommends developing support networks that include family, friends, or other community resources. They also recommend informing those you care about that struggle with depression or other mental health issues that there are treatment options available and that recovery is possible.

Toll free hotlines are also a great resource for those seeking help. The Georgia Crisis and Access Line is available all day 365 days a year at 1-800-715-4225. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) is also available at all times.

The important thing to know when facing depression during the holidays is that you don't have to face it alone. Assistant Pastor Rhett Solomon says that those who need help should reach out to others. "Go to either help groups, help lines…often times [you] need to speak to somebody who will actually give (you) that one-on-one either phone time or face time. Face time is much more important and valuable."

Solomon says that there are resources available to those who need them "They also offer free counseling services at some community centers. They offer some counseling at free health clinics that touches on the depression and some of the suicidal tendencies."

Whatever the issue, know that you are not alone. If you see a friend, neighbor, or loved one suffering, reach out to them. Invite them to a holiday party or just offer them a chance to talk to someone who cares. It is often the small things that make all the difference in times of distress.