Depression and the Holidays
Holidays. They’re supposed to be a time of celebration and gaiety. But if you’re in the clutches of depression, the Christmas season can seem like a platter of darkness served to you instead of turkey or ham.
If your life has been touched by the ramifications of a medical trial, depression can be magnified. I struggled with all that surrounds healing from a brain tumor. Maybe someone you love had a stroke and is learning to walk again. Or maybe you’ve lost someone–a spouse, friend or even child–to a medical issue. How can you celebrate when all you feel is anger, resentment or even worse–that void? You come across well-wishers with their cast-off platitudes:
“God won’t give you anything you can’t handle.”
“That which doesn’t kill us will make us stronger.”
“You’re better off than you think.”
Really? Give me a break!
These next few days may be strewn with land mines of depression. Walk through this season cautiously. With the proper planning and a support team around you, you can make it through.
Tell your closest friends you need their strength to get through the next few days. Have them check on you a bit more than usual.
Write words that have power on note cards and put the cards in your pocket. When you find yourself slipping into a funk, pull out the card and give yourself a lifeline.
Holidays come, but they also go. Healing will continue. Pain will lessen. Live in the moment as much as you can, because really … that’s all we ever have.
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Depression is difficult to walk through any time, but seems even more painful during the holidays. The whole reason I wrote my book, “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” was to say “me too” and give the hope that I found because of Him. Praying for all who are struggling now that they might find His help, His hope, and His healing. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
This is such a timely and important message. In the first few years after my husband’s suicide, it would have greatly helped for someone to tell me that I was ok not being ok on Christmas Day. Even this year, with additional family issues coming to light, this is a good reminder for me.
Thanks for responding, Joanna. I understand not being okay during the holidays. My father’s suicide stayed with me for years … I still get blindsided. Tears, out of nowhere.
Offering grace is important, but giving ourselves grace is sometimes the hardest gift of all. If you find a moment of peace, count it a victory.
Hugs and blessings to you.
Robin
Robin, thank you for this. I too have gone through seasons like this, but God continues to strengthen me through all things. Someone corrected the statement, “God will not give you anything you cannot handle” with a better one. God does give us more than we can handle, so that we bring those things to Him, and find our solace in Christ alone. Have a blessed day. ~ Fran
Thanks Fran, for stopping by and leaving a comment and sharing your wisdom. Yes, I prefer your quote better. The comfort I find in His plan for my life is unmeasurable.
NMay your Christmas be full of peace and joy.