Agape Counseling

This is going to be a blog, but bear with me. It is my thoughts about depression, su***de and the holidays.

There is a myth that has long been perpetuated that su***de rates increase during the holidays. There are no statistics which support this and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that su***de attempts are actually the lowest in December and rise in the spring and fall. This myth is dangerous, because the suggestion can actually have a self fulfilling prophetic affect when the suggestion that the holidays are supposed to be a hard time becomes a "fact".

Depression and suicidal behavior is driven by the belief that you don't belong or you are a burden to the people closest to you. Worsening depression is a warning sign of increased risk for su***de. Although depression may occur anytime of the year, the added stress and anxiety of the holidays often affects those normally contented to feel lonely and unfulfilled. In one Canadian study of psychiatric emergency services during the Christmas season, the most common stressors were feelings of loneliness and "being without family.

When individuals are already dealing with losses of family and close friends, divorces, job loss, or health issues the added stress of holiday activities and preparations can be overwhelming. Expectations can lead to disappointments. Comparing our current situations with others or even our own situations in the past can easily lead to despair.

Relationships are essential to everyone's healthy psychological well being. Often I think of Job and David in the Bible and the suffering they experienced at the losses of their children. Even David lost his monarchy at the hand of his beloved son, Absalom. I did a study of "hope" in the midst of Job's suffering, and found he was "hopeless". When God spoke to him, he did not condemn him for that, but he did chastise him or questioning his sovereignty.

Empathy is a tool which helps us all extend compassion and love to those who are suffering during the holidays. Only by walking in another man's shoes can any of us understand. We have much to be grateful for. One of the ways to deal with hopelessness is to meditate on or blessings and actually write 5 things down in a journal right before we go to sleep.

If you notice someone close spiralling down with depression, don't ignore it. Encourage them to seek support, through therapy, friends or at the very least call the National Su***de Prevention
Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).