topic Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One? in Community Chat

Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

KingstonsMom — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 23:46:41 GMT

I always adored the holidays, Thanksgiving through Christmas, decorated and celebrated to the max!

But all of that changed a few years ago when my family and my 4 siblings and families had a Christmas family reunion.

It was great to have all of us together for the first time in over 20 years, coming from different cities and one from CA to celebrate the holidays, the videos are priceless.

Leaving the reunion the day after Christmas, my oldest brother and his family were in a catastrophic car accident and we lost our 6 year old niece and our 8 year old nephew, my brother had traumatic brain injuries and died 6 months later.

A couple of years ago, my other brother in CA, whose birthday was 11/28 and who I was closest to, we spoke at least 2-3 times a day, committed suicide.

No warning, no history or evidence of depression, drug or alcohol issues. I'll always wonder what signal I must've missed.

My point in this thread?

Hold the ones you love close....you're luckier than you can possibly imagine.

Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

Joe1985 — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 23:53:37 GMT

I am so very sorry for your tragic loss. I feel the same way as you do. I lost my 27 year old Son. Holiday's are horrible for us now. We are all so depressed during these times.

May God Bless all of us who have lost the people who mean the most to us.
Marianne

Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

shortbreadlover — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 23:54:29 GMT

i think holiday depression hits a lot o fpeople.

we expect the holday seasosn to be perfect with the perfect family and such and it is not.

no family or holiday isperfect and when peopkle realize that fact, it won't be easy.

many people have to deal with the loss of a loved one and that isnever easy either.

Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

dex — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 23:58:09 GMT

@KingstonsMom @I understand your sadness after all you have lost.I hope one day you will find some happiness during holidays by reliving your good memories.I wish I could help you through your pain at this time of the year.....come and visit us on the Preds thread if you want some silly company.

Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

Havarti — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 23:59:36 GMT

No words could ever comfort losses like these. I am so sorry and you are so right about treasuring our loved ones while we have them. Everything can change in a second and then you have beautiful memories but no chance of holding them tight or sharing your thoughts ever again. Life is precious.

Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

on the bay — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 00:00:29 GMT

@KingstonsMom -

That is such a heartbreaking hard to comprehend loss at any time.

I am so sorry and I know you will neverforget them.

Sometimes it just never seems fair at all.

Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

spiderw — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 00:11:09 GMT

When tragedies occur, when people pass away, when family traditions change, there can be depression around the holidays. I believe the holidays always remind us of those who have passed and who were so much a part of our holiday celebration and cheer. We think of loved ones all year but around the holidays we seem to focus on the memories we shared and while happy memories, they also make us feel sad.

While my traditions have changed over the years, people have passed away, the big family gatherings are few if at all, I still decorate and I am thankful for those who are in my life now, family and friends.

Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

AuntG — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 00:14:36 GMT

That had to be traumatic. I totally understand why you feel depressed.

Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

LoveMyBaby — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 00:21:24 GMT

Wow @KingstonsMom that's a lot for your heart to go through, and I can't imagine. Nobody would question holiday depression over those extremely sad losses.

Many ppl get depressed at this time without any reason, they just do.

(I received a text from my brother that he wished it was January 2nd. It causes a lot of folks bad anxiety).

Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

Newgate — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 00:23:44 GMT

God Bless you. I will remember you in my prayers tonight.

Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

DianeJ2 — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 00:28:32 GMT

Dear @KingstonsMom, Iam so very sorry and heart broken to read about your losses. Wish I could hug you in person! It is very hard to genuinely celebrate a holiday when people you love are no longer with you. In spirit you try to move forward and keep them with you. I understand, I have lost my parents and a young nephew all unexpectedly in the last few years, nothing feels the same. My grandmother was always depressed at Christmas even with family around because she was missing her lost relatives and she had seasonal depression.

My sister's and I try to appreciate the good now among the grief and rally up some holiday spirit because we want the kids to enjoy good memories with us& show them life is precious as you beautifully said,

Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

suzyQ3 — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 00:36:41 GMT

@KingstonsMom, no words can truly suffice when it comes to two such tragedies.

Regarding your beloved brother, I believe that even when it comes to the closest people in our lives, we never truly know them.

Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

rms1954 — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 00:55:09 GMT

@KingstonsMom My heart goes out to you. Depression is a hard thing to understand and to live with. It can strike you out of nowhere ... hard. I will keep you close in my heart and in my prayers. We don't know each other but trust me when I say caring for each other is the meaning of life and love.

It's not a sign of weakness to reach out and ask for help, it's a sign of strength. I think you are strong. I wish you well.

Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

Iwantcoffee — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 01:19:12 GMT

I am so sorry IG.

Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

Mom2Dogs — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 01:24:48 GMT

@KingstonsMom I am so sorry for your losses, I cannot even comprehend what you are going thru.....take care.

Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

1Snickers — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 01:32:19 GMT

@KingstonsMom Especially at Christmas we want to be happy and celebrate. It's a family time of year and without our family it's depressing!
Unfortunately life isn't a Hallmark movie. It's never the same when tragedy strikes. You have certainly had your share of loss.
I wish you peace at Christmas and fond memories of those departed.

Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

Azcowgirl — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 01:33:28 GMT

It breaks my heart to read of your unimaginable tragedy.I too will keep you in my heart and prayers.

Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

alicedee — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 01:35:09 GMT

@KingstonsMom You've been through more than anyone should have to. I'm so sorry for the horrible losses you have suffered. There are no words that will help...but I'm sure that everyone here who reads your post will think good thoughts for you, and hope your heart will be at peace....for the holidays and always.

🙏🌷

Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

Wiscfan3 — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 01:41:00 GMT

@KingstonsMom @Joe1985 (Marianne) I am so sorry for the unimaginable losses you have had. My heart goes out to both of you.

Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

momoftwo2007 — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 01:47:15 GMT

@KingstonsMom I am so sorry for your loss. It is so sad to lose your brother and his kids to tragic car accident, and to lose your other brother to suicide. That is just terrible. I am so sorry.