Despite Christmas being a joyous holiday for many people, there are people who experience depression around Christmas. Statistics have revealed that suicide rates are in fact higher in the month of December, and it is at least in part due to the fact that there are several major holidays around this time. Deaths in the family can be one of the most common reasons for people to get depressed, along with the feeling of being alone. The spirit of Christmas is about family and coming together, and when those who do not have anyone in their lives feel left out, it can often lead to a feeling of deep-seated depression. Those who normally feel depressed most of the time can become worse around the holidays when everyone else is so happy and joyous, celebrating this time of the year.
For some it simply becomes too much to bear and they make the extreme choice of ending their lives. One of the reasons that people get into these ruts is because they ask themselves all the wrong questions, such as why they are alone and what is wrong with them. These questions inevitably lead to the conclusion that something is in fact wrong with them and that they are destined to be alone for the rest of their lives. Many people who begin to develop Christmas depression start to feel tired all the time and don’t feel like doing the things that they normally enjoy doing.
Depression can take many forms, so it is extremely important to be aware of how it can present and also what you can do about it. One of the best things to do when you are feeling depressed and alone around the holidays is to call up a friend or family member. Just talking to someone that we care about can be enough to inspire hope and instill a feeling of joy. Those who get depressed around the holidays are usually set off by something, such as the loss of their job, a family member, or a feeling of being a failure.
The reason that people become increasingly depressed over time is that they focus on their perceived failures and shortcoming, magnifying them ten times what they actually are. A majority of the people that you hear about committing suicide on or around Christmas usually do not have any family or friends that they are very close to. The entire spirit of Christmas can be enough to tip someone who feels alone over the edge, which is why it is important to recognize these signs in yourself and those you are close to.