The Struggle is Real!

I just recently learned people are 40% more likely to commit suicide in January than any other time.  All this time I thought it was in December.  My logic was the difficulties of the holidays whether it be finances, loneliness, grief, changes in life over the last year, etc.

So as I thought about the reason, it kind of makes sense.  There is this hype or buildup to the holidays; good or bad.  The stress level is difficult even in the best of circumstances.  We are have gifts to buy, and we feel the need to meet or better last year's gifts and experiences.  There are parties or events to attend.  We don't want to hurt anyone's feelings by not coming to their party or family time together; so there's that weight of guilt and decision making.  For those of us who struggle with depression, the season multiples these feelings.

Then the holidays are over.  Relieved?!  Let down?  Families from out of town went home.  Bills start coming in for the charges we made to pay for gifts.  That's when I understood about the increase in suicide.

So, what is the solution?  Understand you are not alone and what you are feeling is real.  Everyone is all about New Year's resolutions right now and my advice is to make a resolution to just take one day at a time.  Obviously, you can't pay off the credit cards in a month, so make your goals small.  Decide to let go of your guilt about things you couldn't do during the holidays.  Maybe send cards or make a call to those people you were not able to spend time with.  Last but not least, take some time to jot down the good things that happened during the holidays.  This way you can end on a good note and visibly see the good which will help to make a good choice to move forward with a positive note!  Please don't commit suicide---you WILL be missed.  The struggle is real, but you have made it this far!!!!