We have just come through the season of lights, decorated trees, special meals, celebration services, Christmas plays and gift giving. For some, it was also a season of sadness and loss; loneliness and fear. And for many it also was a season of depression.
Holidays come and go and we remember those who are no longer present. We remember their laughter, perhaps their cooking, and always their love. My family was bigger, louder and happier in times past. It is different now.
Some of us are truly lonely. Perhaps our partner has passed or a beloved friend or family member. Maybe we have withdrawn from life a little bit. Maybe we can no longer see the light in life.
The hope of Christmas lives in my heart. It is living in my heart right now after all the wrappings have been discarded, all the ornaments have been put away, and all the sales have come to an end. I have faith and hope; I have good memories and a simple but good life. I have love and I also give love.
As we go into 2025, let us open our hearts to happiness and joy regardless of our situations. Reach out to others, be kind, be busy. If you have a feeling of loneliness or despondency, find someone to help, find a cause to work for that you believe in, and find joy in all things. Life is for living and loving and remembering those gone on before us with smiles and sometimes with tears.
I know every family is not perfect—Christmas card nor Hallmark Channel perfect. I know many people who have experienced devastating events in their lives and periods of tough, heart-breaking days, months and even years. We must not lose hope. It is a new year and every day is a new calendar page. Every day is another day to work toward peace and stability in life. For some, it is another day of sobriety, another day of living with cancer, another day of living without a loved one, another day of living. And that’s okay. We press on, we move forward, we try. We must make our choices carefully, with thought and sometimes prayer.
If you are suffering from depression, please know there are people out there who are willing to help you. There are therapists and counselors with a love for people who need to understand depression and all that goes along with the disease. Take the time to research; find someone to help you with support, education, exercises and a true understanding of depression. If you are not sure where to begin, please ask a trusted friend, family member, co-worker, pastor, priest, or medical professional.
Good mental health is just as important as good physical health. There are many websites to assist you and I have listed several at the end of this essay. There are people out there who care and are also trained to teach, inspire and encourage you. They are knowledgeable in depressive disorders and those I have had the pleasure to work with also have a true heart for helping people to successfully live with depression.
It may not be easy, and probably will not be easy; however, it can be done. I know. I have been there. And a happy new year to you all, my friends.
NC website for Mental Health: www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mhddsus
Find mental health services in your area (you may also search “mental health centers in southeastern NC): www.mentalhealthcenters.net
NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Health: www.nami.org
NC Crisis Services: www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mental-health-crisis-services
