I’ve addressed this before it bears a reminder. Holiday depression is real and potentially dangerous. Holiday depression hides behind the cheer and laughter that accompanies Christmas and other religious and festive times.
Unfortunately, many of us get lost in holiday cheer and miss the signs of depression in our loved ones and friends. Some of us catch the signs but write them off stating, “She/he’s always down this time of year and always recovers.” My experience tells me that people intent on committing suicide rarely talk about their plans, making it difficult to prevent suicide.
According to Mayo Clinic’s web site:
Suicide warning signs or suicidal thoughts include:
Talking about suicide — for example, making statements such as “I’m going to kill myself,” “I wish I were dead” or “I wish I hadn’t been born”
Getting the means to take your own life, such as buying a gun or stockpiling pills
Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone
Having mood swings, such as being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next
Being preoccupied with death, dying or violence
Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation
Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
Changing normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns
Doing risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklessly
Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order when there’s no other logical explanation for doing this
Saying goodbye to people as if they won’t be seen again
Developing personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated, particularly when experiencing some of the warning signs listed above
Many of these symptoms are present in depression as well. Watch your friends and relatives and if you think they are depressed or suicidal, take it seriously. Encourage them to see a doctor or counselor. Speak up! The life you save may be the best Christmas present you’ll ever receive.
