Happy Holidays & Seasons Greetings 🎠🎁

Hey everyone! 🤍🫂

The holidays aren't a one-size-fits-all experience, and it's okay if your reality doesn't match the shiny 'holiday spirit'. There's no 'right' way to feel during this season. 

This time of year can be especially challenging for those struggling with depression. The pressure to feel joyful and festive can be overwhelming, and it's easy to feel isolated or alone when everyone else seems to be celebrating. It's also common to experience feelings of loneliness, financial strain, self-doubt, and insecurity during the holidays. 

Sending love to everyone who is:

• Not feeling merry
• Navigating difficult family situations
•  Struggling with their health
•  Grieving a loss
• Not able to see their loved ones
• Struggling financially
• Facing an uncertain future
• Feeling lonely
• Looking back on a rough year
• Not where they wanted to be by now
• Finding it hard to be present

You are not alone. We are here for you, and want to offer our support and understanding. You don't have to put on a brave face or pretend that you're feeling something you're not. It's okay to feel sad, anxious, or even angry during the holidays. 

If you're feeling overwhelmed, please reach out to a friend, family member, or mental health professional. There are also many resources available online and in your community to help you cope with depression during the holidays.

Resources:

International Resources:

• The Jed Foundation: https://jedfoundation.org/  
• International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP): https://www.iasp.info/ 
• Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org/ 

Regional Resources:

• Europe: https://www.mentalhealtheurope.org/ 
• Latin America: https://iris.paho.org/handle/10665.2/49540 
• North America: https://www.nami.org/ 
• Oceania: https://mhaustralia.org/ 

Country-Specific Resources:

• Australia: https://mhaustralia.org/ 
• Canada: https://cmha.ca/ 
• India: https://nimhans.ac.in/ 
• United Kingdom: https://www.mind.org.uk/ 
• United States: https://www.nami.org/ 

Crisis Hotlines:

International Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://www.iasp.info/ 

The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ 

Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/text-us/ 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ 

Online Resources:

7 Cups: https://www.7cups.com/login.php 

Remember:

• You are not alone. 
• You are worthy of love and support, even if you don't feel like it.
• It's okay to ask for help.

We wish you a peaceful and supportive holiday season. 

With love and support,

Angelanj on behalf of the Depression Support Community 💞 🫂