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Help People With Depression on the Holidays
Holidays can be a very lonely time for people who are suffering from depression. Depression can be a temporary circumstance due to many types of situations such as the loss of a loved one because of a relationship breakup or separation, the finalization of a divorce, or a death, the loss of a job that represents a significant income source, an empty nest when grown children leave the home, a midlife crisis, or some other life transitioning event. Many depressions, of course, are permanent disabling conditions caused by a metabolic imbalance, a head injury or residual effects of some other illness, or a traumatic emotional triggering event. None of us are immune from experiencing a bout of depression, and depression of some sort or another will very likely happen to each one of us at one time or another. It is estimated that about 10% of Americans are suffering from depression at any given time. That is a lot of people, so the chances are very very good that each one of us knows someone who is suffering from depression. Even people who have risen to great heights of wealth, success, and fame have experienced depression. Whatever the cause of the depression, whether it is an extreme and overwhelming temporary sadness felt when one is suddenly left alone for the first holiday after the kids have all gone their own way, or a major medical reason causing the condition, holidays can be extremely difficult and heart wrenching for people who are in the throes of depression. During holiday seasons, they will often have escalated feelings of loneliness, sadness and worthlessness as they are constantly reminded by the news media, the stores where they shop, their workplace or school, and just about everywhere they go that holidays are supposed to be a time for family, friends, and fun. Often a person who is depressed has few friends, and family members often find it difficult or impossible to understand them, and since their family and friends don't know what to do, the person may be left alone. This, unfortunately, only magnifies their feelings of worthlessness, sadness, and emptiness. One of the kindest things you can do is help people with depression on the holidays. Reach out to them, and let them know that they are not forgotten. Find some way to extend to them your friendship and love. If it all possible, invite them to your home to join in your holiday festivities. When someone is in a state of depression, do not necessarily expect them to leap up and joyously accept your invitation. More often than not, they will give you excuses and say that they are busy or even that they just want to be alone. It is easy to rationalize and accept the turndown of your invitation thinking that you tried, and they just really do want to be alone. More often than not, however, this is not the case. In reality, they may want nothing more than to be in a place of joy and celebration, but they are feeling so bad about themselves that they need a lot of encouragement from their loved ones to make them feel welcome. They will often feel that they are unwanted, and will feel that their presence would be a burden for everyone else, so they will want to avoid other people and will find it difficult to consider attending a holiday activity. Their state of mind causes them to think that it is easier to remain in their "dark little world" just waiting for the day to pass. You may need to pick them up, and you will probably have to put extra efforts into your invitation to help people with depression so that they will come to your holiday event. Do not wait for a person who is suffering from depression to call you. It is important that you reach out to them as they have probably convinced themselves that it is better for them and everyone else if they are just left alone. If you are successful in convincing them to join you, just allow them to blend in so that they feel comfortable and at ease. Treat them with respect and kindness just like you treat the other people who are present. It is important to be natural and just allow them to fit in without making an extra fuss over them, as that will make them feel self conscious and uncomfortable. It is important to have a happy atmosphere when you help people with depression and invite them to your holiday celebration. You will not want to unnecessarily expose and surround them with circumstances that will exacerbate their feelings of sadness. Help people with depression experience a little laughter and share a few smiles with your holiday celebrating group. You will want to provide them with happy memories that they can take home that will comfort them in the days ahead. It may do far more for them than you will ever know. During the holidays, a person who is suffering from depression especially needs to be around other people. It will help them to, at least temporarily, have relief from their feelings of worthlessness, sadness, and sorrow. They may or may not ever tell you of their appreciation, but you can be certain that it will be registered on the positive side of their outlook on life. If you have a family member or friend who is suffering from depression, do everything you can to help them to be with family or friends on a holiday. |
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Very helpful information, it is often so hard to know what to do.
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This intel was contributed by Shelby
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May, 2012
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