Seasonal depression is a serious issue for some, and it affects some of our team as well, and has for many years. Some people have it due to loss of a family member during/near the holidays, or just missing that person’s presence during the season it could stem from childhood issues, or any other traumatic event in their lives. Mental health issues are not a sign of weakness, acknowledging them is what helps us to grow stronger as we find our ways to work through them.
How do you handle it? Do you have a support group? Do you seek counseling? Do you just pray about it? There are many ways people handle it depending on their mental health. We try to stay busy and occupied with things to keep our minds wandering down that inevitable path.
This project does help with keeping busy, and feeding off the awe that others are in when seeing displays we have mapped for their enjoyment. Seeing that holiday joy in others feeds our souls and keeps us going.
Sometimes mental health goes off the rails and people can feel like they are spiraling down and down, with no way up, if you EVER feel this way please seek help immediately. We all have those times, and we all need help at some time in our life, don’t be fearful to reach out, people are truly willing to help you through whatever it is you may be going through.
If you are having major mental health issues and need help now, please seek help from many of the resources out there including the SMAHSA National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 24hrs a day, or NAMI Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) 10am-10pm Eastern time. You can also email, chat or text them.
Text 62640, Email [hidden email], or chat at nami.org/help. And now you can even dial 988 from any phone to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention line, even if you are just in mental distress, trained mental health counselors are ready to help.
Take care of yourselves, and your physical and mental health, and we hope you enjoy your holiday season.