When You Are Dealing With Depression at Christmas

I love Christmas. I love the music. I love the lights. As a Christian, I love what it stands for. However, as someone who also lives with depression, Christmas and the holiday season can be especially hard for me. I lost my dad when I was 15. So I’ll often find myself missing him around this time of year as well.

Recently, I was on break from my job. The Christmas tree was lit and Christmas music was playing. I decided to make my way over to where the Christmas tree was so I could get a better view of the lights. As I did, tears started to fall.

“I’m so sorry, Dad. It shouldn’t be like this, you know? I wish you were here. I miss you.”

Those were seemingly the only words I could get out, in what seemed like an avalanche of emotions suddenly crashing over me. Depression seemingly magnifies loss. It would like to have you believe that you will always feel sad and nothing will ever change.

Please, don’t listen to depression’s lies. Please, know everything will be OK. You matter and you are loved.

I’m fortunate to be spending this holiday with family and to be able to count all the blessings I have. When depression seemingly hits out of nowhere, I won’t feel ashamed to feel whatever I am feeling. I’ll be open and honest about my feelings and share them with someone I trust.

If you’re dealing with depression this holiday season, then please, know you are not alone. You might feel lonely, but you are never alone. Reach out and get help. Know that no matter what depression would like to have you believe, it’s simply not true.