Depression around the Holidays

For many people battling holiday stress, changing expectations and behavior can make a big difference. But not always. For some people who may be dealing with loss or depression, the holidays can be particularly difficult. Holiday cheer that is seemingly everywhere can actually amplify feelings of loneliness and hopelessness in some people, and cause them to withdraw further. If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time right now, please reach out for help. You’re not alone.
I recently met someone who shared with me their own very personal story about struggling with the holidays. As a way to express what he was going through, he wrote a song about the loneliness he was feeling at Christmas time and the sad truth that we often forget about those people when we’re caught up in our own plans and festivities.
The author has graciously allowed me to share some of his lyrics here. I hope that by sharing this, it helps someone else to see that they’re not alone in their own struggles. I also hope it encourages others to check in with friends and loved ones who are struggling during this holiday season. After all, what is Christmas for, if not to reach out to others in our community?

What Is Christmas For?
By Rob Ewan

When the Christmas season comes around
And the holidays are near
That's the time you hope what you have found
Is someone to call you dear
By the Christmas tree on Christmas morn
There are children once again
But on this day when Christ was born
Still somebody is in pain

For Christmas can be lonely
When no one seems to care
Then Christmas time is only
A cross we have to bear
Sometimes it gets so lonely
Can't take it anymore
If this can be at Christmas time
Tell me what is Christmas for?

When it's Christmas time and you are there
In the city all alone
You reach out for someone who will care
But no one picks up the phone
You look around for some way to scream
But there is no sound to make
You pray to God it's just a bad dream
But you cannot seem to wake

And people still are lonely
No matter what we say
If we don't try to help them along
Then why have Christmas Day
Though earnestly they call out
There's no one at the door
If this can be at Christmas time
Tell me what is Christmas for?

Yes, you try so hard to make it through
And you wish someone was there
They say people are looking for you
You look but don't know where
If I can try to reach out to you
And lend you a helping hand
Will you come and see what we can do
Though it was not what you planned

For Christmas can be lonely
So this I say to you
Come help us try to work it out
Let's see what we can do
The pain that lives at Christmas
No whisper, but a roar
If this can be at Christmas time
Tell me what is Christmas for?

Yes, Christmas can be lonely
That doesn't have to be
Let's take one day to face the pain
And make it history
If we can work together
To help one person more
If this can be at Christmas time
Tell me, that's what Christmas is for!

There’s more about stress around the holidays here.