Without fail, every year I received at least one call from someone who was suicidal. Sometimes I would get a call from someone who was homicidal. People who were coping the rest of the year seemed to fall apart at holiday time. Statistically, suicide rates actually tend to rise in the Spring, but I had my share of calls from people with suicidal ideation at holiday time.
Many of my depressed clients would get more depressed during the Christmas season. Reasons could range from missing a loved one who had passed, missing far-away family, or just feeling extra lonely at this time of year. Real life is seldom like a Hallmark Channel movie. Feeling as if we should be happy and carefree just puts more pressure on us when we don't feel that way at all.
This has been a tough year for many. I look at the COVID statistics on the Mississippi Dept. of Health website and see the death toll. These are not just numbers, but beloved mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, and grandparents. Faces that won't be around the table for Christmas dinner. I will admit that I have found myself tearful this Christmas season. My Daddy died 10 years ago on the 15th of December. My mother will be gone 31 years this Christmas night. Some years the anniversary grief does not hit me that much. But, this year has been difficult.
It's OK not to be OK this holiday season. Cry when you need to, Take care of yourself. Get enough rest and eat good food. Give yourself permission this year to do the things you really want to do and say no to the things that don't feed your soul or that add to your sadness.
And PLEASE, if you are feeling suicidal and find yourself making a plan, CALL someone! Our local mental health has someone on call 24/7 at 601-831-0357. Or call the national suicide hotline at 1-800-275-8255. Don't be a statistic this Christmas.
No comments:
Post a Comment