Re: Holiday Depression, Am I The Only One?

chiclet · ‎03-19-2010

Holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas) just seem to magnify our loss of loved ones. Christmas growing up was not a good time. Family drank heavily and usually there was some disaster. If you no family, poverty, losses etc. it is magnified at this time of the year. It has gotten so commercial that money could be a big problem for so many who are expected to buy gifts. Sickness and unable to participate could also be awful. It is easy to see how depression is bad at this time of year.

Vivian · ‎03-11-2010

IG, I am so sorry for your horrific losses. It's no wonder you have become depressed at holiday time. I do understand your feelings because even though I have not suffered your catastrophic losses, I have experienced serious changes in my life that make the holidays sad at times.

My husband has Alzheimer's and so I am always with him and we don't travel anymore. My 97 year old mother has serious mobility problems and cannot travel so I don't see her often. One of my daughters is moving 3000 miles away and the other is seeing a man who has serious problems, causing us all to worry.

Thanksgiving was always a huge family affair. Now it just comes and goes without the joy of years ago. I've made peace with the way things are but I do suffer a sense of nostalgia at times for what used to be.

haddon9 · ‎03-09-2010

I am so very sorry for your tragic loss. I can't even begin to imagine how difficult it has to be for you at any time but particularly this time of year.

Imaoldhippie · ‎06-10-2015

I am so sorry for anyone that loses anyone and especially at holiday time. God bless you.

I too get depressed at the holidays but for a different reason. Complete and total burn out. I was a single mom for most of my kids young childhood. Did all the holiday stuff myself along with every day living stuff. A couple of times I did have a boyfriend but they turned out to be duds, especially at Christmas. No help from them.

Now I have such a sour and bad attitude towards the holidays (the commercial side of Christmas not the spiritual side) I despise this time of the year.

LIFE IS TO SHORT TOO FOLD FITTED SHEETS

riley1 · ‎03-10-2010

@KingstonsMom - I understand how you feel. My sister comitted suicide just after her 34th birthday at the end of Oct. She and I were so close and I too wondered what signals I may have missed.

My parents were devastated. We did not celebrate the holidays that year - no company, no decorations.

Then in Dec. 1985 my son started having seizures and went into a coma. He was on life support for several days. When he did come out of it, he had no idea who we were, no memories at all. We had to reteach him everything. I am thankful every day for family & friends that took care of my daughters who were very young at that time.

So, you are right - don't wait to gather your family together for tomorrow your life may drastically change.

goldensrbest · ‎03-10-2010

@KingstonsMom , Very understanding you would feel this way,so many losses,so sorry for you ,and your sil.

When you lose some one you L~O~V~E, that Memory of them, becomes a TREASURE.

AngelPuppy1 · ‎03-13-2010

@KingstonsMom

How terrible for you! I am so sorry for all of your losses.

Holidays are truly a difficult time for everyone who has lost loved ones.

I was just lamenting that I am not looking forward to the holidays either, due to family losses and other family tragedies and hardships. I am gritting my teeth just trying to get through.

Yes, what you said in the last line -- how very true. Life can change in the blink of an eye.

Blessings....

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." - Steve Martin

Patriot3 · ‎06-07-2010

@shortbreadlover wrote:
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.

@shortbreadlover Agree, especially your second sentence. I love my family dearly, but let's face it......none of us are perfect. After all the hoopla, it is depressing to face the rest of the winter. Yes, I have holiday depression and I know I'm not alone, but at times it sure feels like it.