Mistletoe Got You Down

The holiday season is here, bringing with it the highest time of year for depression and suicides. Perhaps, you are someone that this season brings dread to. You may have just broken up with someone, lost your job or experienced something, such as a death to someone close to you.

The simple act of shopping, attending Christmas parties, where everyone is trying to get their turn under the mistletoe, just adds to the emptiness that you feel. If this is the case, it is important to find someone that is a good listener to talk to. Whether it be a good friend, a family member, a member of the clergy, a help line, or anyone else you would be comfortable with.

Remember too, that everyone goes through trials and you are not alone in what you are experiencing, though it may seem like it at the time. You might have hit a road block, but it can be knocked down with a valuable lesson waiting for you, if you look deep enough. It is true, “every cloud has a silver lining”, just look and you will find it.

Here are a few tips to help you look outside of yourself, so that when you are alone, you can view things with a new perspective.

1. Volunteer to help wrap Christmas gifts that are being delivered to needy kids.

2. Volunteer to help serve food for the needy.

3. Volunteer to help someone who needs a lift to an appointment.

4. Volunteer to collect items for those in desperate need.

This will not make your hurt or fear subside and you will have to face what you are going through, but when you help someone else, especially those less fortunate, it is a gift to them and to yourself.

Know you need not feel you are alone, because there is help out there for you. Please believe in yourself and know this is just temporary. Life has many splendid things in store for you. You are unique and you do make a difference in the world.

May your spirits get a lift, the mistletoe make you laugh, and may the silver lining be just what you needed.